Man killed by falling two-ton log at festival

A worshipper has been crushed to death by a two-ton flag pole during a religious festival in Brazil.

Video footage captured the incident from multiple angles as dozens of men carried the "Pau da Bandeira" (flag pole) through the city of Barbalha, Ceará.

Surrounded by thousands of tourists who flock to the city every year for the celebrations, the log slipped from their grasp and fell onto 40-year-old Cícero Ricart less than 100m from their destination.

Mr Ricart, one of the most experienced log bearers of the festival, was killed instantly.

Another bearer claimed the proximity of the crowd had caused the fatality.

The 100-year-old tradition is held every June.

On this day, the first of the Feast of St Anthony, devout Christians rise at 5am to collect the mast, previously chosen and prepared, from the foot of the mountain located 6km from the city centre.

Accompanied by a crowd of people, the men carry the Pau da Bandeira on their shoulders to the Church of Saint Anthony where it is used to raise a flag of the city's patron saint.

This year's log was the heaviest in two decades, measuring 23m long and weighing in at just under two tons (1814.37kg).

The festival lasts on average 15 days and is one of the largest state fairs in Brazil.

Source: GloboTV