Bloody accident mars joyful start of Rio carnivalFebruary 27, 2017 - 10:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A huge float carried by a truck at the Rio de Janeiro samba parade struck several people, causing serious injuries to at least one woman, late Sunday, February 26, AFP reports. The accident, which coincided with heavy drizzle, marred the start of the all-night samba dance-off at the Sambodromo stadium. The truck appeared to drive too close to a fence at the start of the competition piste, footage on Brazilian television showed, and several people were hit. One woman, a photographer, had a leg badly crushed. Despite the rain, however, the packed Sambodromo erupted in cheers as the annual contest opened in a deafening barrage of fireworks. Brazilians living through two years of steep recession and 12 percent unemployment have grasped this year's carnival as a chance to let off steam. In Rio especially, the thrill of hosting the Olympics six months ago has given way to the grim reality of rising crime and near bankruptcy of the state government. So when the drummers of Paraiso do Tuiuti -- the first of six samba schools competing through the night to Monday morning -- began beating rhythm, the crowd roared. Samba queens dressed in sequined micro-costumes and vast feathered headdresses danced at dizzying speed. Behind them came an army of drummers and costumed dancers, interspersed by wildly over-the-top floats. Each school picks a theme for its parade and is judged according to strict criteria. Another six schools were to parade on Monday night, with the champion being announced on Wednesday, the start of Lent in mostly Roman Catholic Brazil. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. |