PORT-AU-PRINCE, Feb 17 — More than 10 people riding on a float in a Carnival parade in Haiti died today after being electrocuted by a high-voltage cable, the government said.

Around another 40 were injured in the overnight accident in Port-au-Prince, Communications Minister Rotchild Francois said in a statement.

The government said the accident occurred at around 2.48am local time (0748 GMT) during a procession on the second day of Carnival.

It took place near the centre of Port-au-Prince on the Champ de Mars, Rotchild said.

The float was carrying a popular Haitian rap group called Barikad Crew, Haiti’s Radio Metropole reported.

It struck a cable as it passed underneath it in a parade watched by tens of thousands.

“The government sends its condolences to the families of the victims and stands ready to assist everyone affected by this tragedy,” the minister said.

The rap group’s star singer, who goes by the name “Fantom”, was struck directly by the fallen cable and is in critical condition, the website Haiti Press Network said. — AFP