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Carnival float in Rio de Janeiro injures 20 people

By Andrew V. Pestano

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- At least 20 people were injured when a float in the Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro veered out of control and started to crush them against a barrier in the iconic Sambadrome.

Police said the driver of the truck carrying the float for the Paraíso do Tuiuti samba school lost control on the wet pavement and began to crush several dancers and spectators on Sunday. The truck then reversed and hurt more people by pinning them to a fence.

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Three people were seriously injured and underwent surgery. Eight other people were hospitalized after the incident, five of whom were released Monday morning, Jornal O Globo reported.

The Paraíso do Tuiuti school said it regretted what occurred, adding it would provide assistance to the victims of the "irreparable episode." The school was the first of six to participate in the festivities.

The incident was captured on video.

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