This is the horrifying moment a carvival-goer died after being crushed by a falling tree at a traditional tree-cutting event.

The death occurred in Puno, a city in southern Peru on Lake Titicaca, which was celebrating its town carnival.

One of the region's most popular traditional events is the Yunza, where a tree is decorated with presents that people dance around and take turns trying to chop down. 

This age-old ritual centres on trees lavishly decorated with balloons, presents and colourful ribbons. 

The implement is then passed to another couple, who also try to chop it down in three strikes. When it eventually falls, everyone rushes to grab a present from its branches.

However, one local man, later identified as Joel Ticora, lost his life when the tree toppled over in front of a cheering group and crushed him.

He was given first aid at the carnival site before being transferred to the Hospital Juliaca in Puno, where he was later declared dead. 

The police arrived to carry out their enquiries, but found the party still in full swing. 

It was not the first time that an accident has marred this year's festival.