20 People Die During Panama’s Carnaval

PANAMA (AFP) – This year’s Carnaval had claimed 20 lives by the close of five days of festivities Wednesday.

Panamanian police and the Red Cross reported that nine people died in automobile accidents, six were murdered, two drowned and two died of alcohol poisoning.

Also, an indigenous person committed suicide in the province of Chiriquí, 500 kilometers from the capital.

The deaths occurred despite the fact that authorities had mobilized 12,000 police officers and aid personnel to ensure order and safety during the celebrations.