Parade float collapses at Rio Carnival leaving several people seriously injured

At least 11 people were injured today when an elaborate samba parade platform collapsed at the Rio Carnival - the second serious accident to hit the world-famous street party in 24 hours.

Another eight people were treated for shock after the float structure collapsed, sending performers crashing down, in the Unidos da Tijuca samba parade around 1.30am local time.

Nine were transferred to hospitals, three of them with serious injuries. One has a suspected broken collar bone, one suffered head injuries and the third was treated for abdominal trauma.

Rescuers were on the scene immediately and battled to pull the injured from wreckage.

An iron structure, shaped like a house on the top of the float, collapsed taking dancers down with it as the float, driven by a hidden truck, entered the Sambodromo stadium.

It is believed some performers were crushed by the fallen building.