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Rio Carnival Float Crashes Into Crowd at Sambadrome, Leaving Three Injured

Police opened an inquiry after reports the União de Maricá float sped up to meet the parade time limit.

Overview

  • The school’s final float veered right just past the finish in Sector 12 and smashed into the safety barrier, an impact captured on the official broadcast and by spectators’ videos.
  • Itamar de Oliveira, 65, a support worker, suffered severe open leg fractures, was stabilized at Municipal Souza Aguiar Hospital and taken to surgery.
  • Another victim was transferred to Municipal Miguel Couto Hospital for further evaluation, while a third sustained minor injuries; more than a dozen people received on‑site care.
  • The Civil Police’s Cidade Nova 6th precinct opened an investigation, and Liga RJ and União de Maricá said they are cooperating as potential penalties for the school are considered.
  • Organizers said the float accelerated to avoid exceeding the 55‑minute limit, and the crash is the third arrival‑area incident at Sapucaí in the past decade.