4 Killed on Carnival Float, Catches Fire after Hitting Power Cable in Port of Santos, Brazil during Samba Parade, Several Injured [REPORT]

Reports confirm that at least four revelers were killed and several more injured in Brazil's port city of Santos early Tuesday (Feb. 12), when a carnival float caught fire after hitting a power cable and causing a short circuit. Officials claim that the vehicle float went ablaze shortly after the Sangue Jovem samba school ended its parade at dawn on Tuesday. The event was quickly abandoned.

According to the BBC, the carnival float caught fire after hitting a power line, knocking out electricity and "plunging the area into darkness" early on Tuesday. The vehicle involved in the accident belonged to a samba group of avid Santos Football Club fans deemed Sangue Jovem (Young Blood).The float was designed as a tribute to football legend Pele, who played for the club from the late 1950s to early 1970s.

A fire department official, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to discuss anything with the press, revealed that three of the victims were pushing the float. A woman watching the parade was the fourth. At least five other individuals were injured, and their conditions were not immediately known.

Santos Mayor Paulo Alexandre Barbosa suspended the event with three more schools left to ride in the parade.

"This is a tragedy for our city," said Barbosa. "We cannot continue the parade in the current mood. This is a moment of extreme sadness."

Officials confirm that a group of children were riding the float during the parade, but had gotten off just before the fire started and were not injured.

Brazil kicked off its annual Carnival celebration last Friday, Feb. 8. Most famously celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, festivities included flamboyant floats carrying loads of flashy-costumed revelers.

Details are still developing.