Shakira Rio Concert: Construction Worker Dies From “Crushing Injuries” While Building Stage
A tragic accident has taken a life.
Ahead of Shakira’s May 2 “Todo Mundo No Rio” concert in Rio, Brazil, a construction worker who had been working on building the stage died in an accident on April 26, event organizers confirmed in a statement on social media.
“First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient,” the statement, translated from Portuguese, read. “Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital.”
Organizers concluded, “At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”
The local fire brigade (CBMERJ) confirmed to People that the construction worker suffered “crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system,” and that the individual had already been removed from the equipment by the time the emergency teams arrived.
“Military personnel from the ambulance service of the 3rd Maritime Group (GMAR-Copacabana) immediately began pre-hospital care on the victim,” the statement continued, “who was then transported to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed.”
The stage is being built on Copacabana Beach and is expected to draw huge numbers of the singer’s fans and tourists.
Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP via Getty Images
One eyewitness of the incident, 51-year-old Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, described the moment of the accident.
“Out of nowhere, we saw people running, and when we looked, the structure was on the ground,” he told, told AFP outlet, per France 24. “People were saying that a man had gotten trapped underneath. People rushed over to pull him out.”
While Shakira has yet to address the tragic accident publicly, she did share her excitement for the upcoming concert earlier that day.
Lucía Flores/ObturadorMX/Getty Images
“Almost there, Rio!!!” she wrote on Instagram April 26. “Prepping so many surprises for you: guest artists, new wardrobe, songs you’ll love to hear… Can’t wait to be there…”
She finished her caption by calling the Copacabana Beach location as the “altar do planeta,” or the “altar of the planet.”
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