SAO PAULO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least six people, including a five-year-old boy, died in a boat accident Saturday night on the Grande River in southeastern Brazil, authorities said Sunday.

The boat, carrying 15 people, had departed from a floating bar where a show was taking place, and was en route to a residence on the riverbank, according to the fire department.

Witnesses said the boat struck a pier that lacked proper signage and night lighting. The impact threw several passengers into the water and left others trapped after the boat capsized.

Six people died at the scene, apparently from drowning, police said, adding that three others were taken to a health facility in the city of Rifaina with minor injuries and were later discharged.

According to the fire department, the boat's driver, who was among the dead, did not have the required license to operate the vessel. ■