A 17-year-old schoolboy died instantly when he toppled from a trailer during a carnival parade.

Despite the short fall, victim Angelo Viteritti, 17, died of head injuries after the tractor hauling the trailer apparently hit a bump in the road.

Prosecutors in southern Italy are now investigating the death in San Cosmo Albanese, Calabria region, on Shrove Tuesday, 21st February.

An autopsy is to be carried out.

A smiling Angelo wearing sunglasses is making the victory sign right into the camera in a photo that can be seen here.

Flags on all public buildings in his hometown San Giacomo d’Acri were put at half-mast on 24th February while shops closed for one and a half hours.

School classes and public officials servants held a minute’s silence.

Local mayor Pino Capalbo said: “I’d like to express my sincere condolences to the family and close relatives of Angelo. I feel profound pain and disbelief.”

Carnival has a long tradition in Italy.

The colourfully decorated wagons participating in processions in cities and towns all over the country on Shrove Tuesday often mock current political developments.