Two killed in shootings at J'ouvert celebration in New York City

People wearing gorgeous costumes participate in the parade of Caribbean Carnival 2016 in New York, the United States on Sept. 5, 2016

Sept. 6, 2016

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two people were shot dead and at least 2 others wounded early Monday morning at the J'ouvert celebration in New York City's Borough of Brooklyn, a carnival celebrating Caribbean culture held before dawn on each Labor Day.

A male between ages 18 to 20 years old was shot in the chest at around 3:50 a.m. local time and died later at hospital, according to local police. About 25 minutes later, a 22-year-old woman was shot in the left eye just a block away and died at a hospital.

At least two others were shot and wounded but expected to survive, police said.

J'ouvert, which means daybreak, is an annual pre-dawn celebration held ahead of the annual West Indian Day Parade.

The event had a history marred by violence. Last year, a top aide to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo was killed by a stray bullet during the celebration.

The investigation is ongoing and no arrest have been made yet.