A crew member working on Shakira’s upcoming concert in Brazil was killed while assembling the stage on Sunday.
Organisers of the upcoming Todo Mundo No Rio (Everyone in Rio) concert confirmed the death of the construction worker in a statement on social media on Sunday.
“The event organisers confirm that an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show,” they wrote in Portuguese.
“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 concluded the statement by adding, “At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”
The Hips Don’t Lie hitmaker is set to headline the annual free outdoor concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday 2 May. She has yet to comment on the incident.
The state fire brigade (CBMERJ) confirmed to People, “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.”
An eyewitness on the beach told news agency AFP that he saw the structure “on the ground” and people were saying “a man had gotten trapped underneath”. He saw people running over to “pull him out”.
Since its inception in 2024, the Todo Mundo no Rio concert series has been headlined by Madonna and Lady Gaga. Free to the public, the open concert has drawn in crowds of between 1.6 million and 2.5 million people.
Over the weekend, Shakira teased her upcoming show on Instagram, writing, “Almost there, Rio!!! Prepping so many surprises for you: guest artists, new wardrobe, songs you’ll love to hear… Can’t wait to be there.”
