SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Police say 17 people were electrocuted during a freak accident during a large pre-Carnival parade.

Police said today that fireworks lit by partygoers caused a power line to fall on a tightly packed crowd dancing behind a large sound truck.

The accident happened late yesterday in the small town of Bandeiro do Sul in Minas Gerais state north of Rio.

A reveler dances during the Banda de Ipanema carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, February 19. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) 1/1

Such street parties are common across Brazil and involve a crush of people following behind a sound truck as it belts out music.

A police spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorised to discuss the matter, said most of those killed on the street were hit directly by the downed power line.

He says dozens of others were hurt.

Carnival officially begins on Friday.