US Embassy in Haiti apologizes for ill-timed tweet

The US Embassy in Haiti is apologizing for a tweet wishing locals a “happy carnival,” which was posted just as news broke of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of at least 20 carnival attendees.

“We also regret that we had posted a celebratory message earlier today on Twitter,” said Ambassador Pamela A. White in a statement tweeted by the embassy’s official Twitter account. “That message was pre-recorded.”

.@AmbPWhite: We also regret that we had posted a celebratory message earlier today on Twitter. That message was pre-recorded.

— US Embassy Haiti (@USEmbassyHaiti) February 17, 2015

At least 20 people were killed today in Port-au-Prince after the electrocution of a float rider spurred a panic among carnival-goers, resulting in a stampede, according to local officials.