PORT-AU-PRINCE (CelebrityAccess) — Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul has announced three days of national mourning in the wake of a Carnival stampede that left 16 dead and 78 injured in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince.
According to Reuters, the tragedy occurred when Haitian singer Fantom, riding on a parade float, was struck by an overhead power line, sparking a stampede to get away from the danger. Fantom was seriously injured and numerous spectators were trampled under foot.
Carnival organizers said they would organize a parade to honor the dead, but the final day of Carnival festivities was canceled.
“We are telling the people of Haiti that we must be in solidarity,” Paul said. “We are all Haiti.” – Staff Writers
