Three days of mourning for Haiti carnival float victims

Three days of mourning have been declared in Haiti after a power line fell on a carnival float in the capital, Port au Prince.

At least 16 people died in the accident, prompting officials to cancel the final day of the carnival.

Witnesses said someone on the float used a stick to move the power line to let the float pass.

Some of the victims were electrocuted while others died in the ensuing panic.

Officials say a further 78 people were injured.

Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul said a silent parade would be held later on Tuesday to honour the dead. 

Those in attendance will wear white and march along the Champ de Mars where the accident occurred. 

The three days of mourning begins today with all flags to be flown at half-mast.

A state funeral will be held for the victims on Saturday.

BBC