Tragedy has returned to Brazil following a nightclub fire in January that killed 239 party goers. This time, during the country’s carnival festivities, a float caught on fire and quickly spread, killing four people.

The fire started as the float traveled along the parade route and accidentally struck a power cable which short circuited -- igniting the fiery blaze. The incident caused a wide-spread power outage which affected thousands of homes and cut off street lights; sending the area into complete darkness. A group of children narrowly escaped the fire went they left the float minutes before the fire began.

The carnival began Fri, Feb. 9. Participants in the festive event celebrated the culture of Brazil by wearing flamboyant costumes and dancing to the music played for the parade floats.

Fire safety is still a major concern in the country coping with the loss of hundreds. Last month, a band performing in Kiss night club lit a flare on stage which sent the place into the flames. With only one exit, people struggled to vacate the engulfed party space which caused several deaths by trampling.

Paulo Alexandre Barbosa, the mayor of Santos, has spoken out about the fatal blaze citing it would be difficult to carry on with the celebration in light of the tragic occurrence.

“This is a tragedy for our city. We cannot continue the parade in the current mood. This is a moment of extreme sadness”, he said.

Brazil’s popular samba performers, Sangue Jovem also known as Young Blood were playing on the float when the fire broke out. The group as well as fans expressed their sadness with several postings on their Facebook page.

The country is currently preparing to receive an influx of visitors for the World Cup of Soccer in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.