20 people injured after stand collapse in the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

January 7, 2006

At least 20 people were injured when a covered stand collapsed during a main parade in the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in the Colombian city of Pasto.

According to the police, the stands were designed to support 500 people, but there were 700 on them. The intense rains might have also contributed to the collapse as the tents had become too heavy.

The Red Cross immediately helped all those affected. Most people presented minor injures although 3 people had to be referred to medical assistance centers.

Despite the incident the parade continued along the main streets of the city.