Brazilian revellers killed by power cable

Seventeen people have died after being electrocuted in a freak accident during a pre-Carnival parade.

Fireworks lit by partygoers caused a power line to fall, hitting revellers dancing behind a sound truck. The accident happened on Sunday in Bandeiro do Sul, north of Rio.

Such parties are common and involve people following behind a sound truck as it belts out music. Police said most of those killed were hit directly by the power line. Dozens of others were hurt. The Carnival officially begins on Friday.