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Topics: World News, Music
The Tyla Team
Topics: World News, Music
A crew member has tragically died of 'crushing injuries' while working on the stage set up for a huge Shakira concert in Brazil.
The horrifying incident took place on Copacabana beach on Sunday, April 26, while preparations were being made for the event called Todo Mundo no Rio.
Shakira was the planned headliner for the huge public concert, which attracts millions of tourists, with the likes of Lady Gaga and Madonna previously performing for the enormous free events.
According to the Independent, the man was a local construction worker, who has not been identified.
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A statement was shared on Instagram by the event organisers, which PEOPLE translated from Portuguese which read: “The event organizers confirm that an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26th) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show.”
“First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient. Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital.”
They finished by stating: “At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim's family."
The state fire brigade issued a statement to the outlet stating: “A worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system. Before the arrival of emergency teams, the victim had already been removed from the equipment by other employees present.”
The fire brigade continued: "Military personnel from the ambulance service of the 3rd Maritime Group (GMAR-Copacabana) immediately began pre-hospital care on the victim, who was then transported to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed."
According to France24, an eyewitness, Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, 51, was on the beach at the time of the incident.
He told reporters that 'out of nowhere [he] saw people running. And when we looked the structure was on the ground', before adding that 'a man has gotten trapped underneath' as people rushed to the victim's aid and to attempt to 'pull him out.'
The Brazil show was part of an extension to Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour.
According to NME, last year another show of the 'Whenever, Wherever' star's tour in Medellín, Colombia, was forced to be postponed due to stage safety concerns.
On that occasion she was due to play the Estadio Atanasio Girardot venue in February, but there were issues with the roof of the venue being damaged.
It was stated that the damage 'puts at risk the safety of the artist, her staff and, most importantly, that of the audience.'
Tyla has reached out to Shakira's representatives for comment.