Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul has announced three days of national mourning after a Carnival stampede Tuesday left at least 16 dead and 78 injured in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The final day of the annual celebrations has also been canceled.
Tuesday’s tragedy occurred when Haitian singer Fantom, standing on top of a float, was struck by a power line, setting off a deadly electric current. Many spectators were trampled underfoot and died in the ensuing panic, according to Reuters.
Paul said Carnival organizers would now arrange a parade to honor the deceased.
“We are telling the people of Haiti that we must be in solidarity,” Paul said. “We are all Haiti.”
[Reuters]
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