By CAITLIN MURRAY
A small section of a 2014 World Cup stadium in Brazil collapsed Wednesday, killing at least two and causing damage that could delay completion of the project, according to local reports.
Work on Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo had been nearly completed when a crane fell, causing a metal structure beneath to buckle and destroy part of the stands. It also damaged an LED panel outside the venue.
The stadium is scheduled to host six matches at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, including the opening game of the tournament and one of two semifinal matches.
Authorities on the scene reported two dead, but no information about the victims has been released yet. The accident apparently happened during lunch time so the site was less busy with people.
Earlier reports put the number dead at three, but that number was revised to two confirmed dead.
FIFA quickly released a statement offering sympathies to the victims and declaring that “the safety of workers is the top priority for FIFA, the LOC and the federal government.”
“The Department of Labour and the local authorities will fully investigate the reasons behind such a tragic accident,” the statement added. “Please understand that we are in no position to comment further at this stage, as we are awaiting further details from the authorities.”
Brazilian club Corinthians, which owns the stadium, released their own statement in Portuguese saying they “deeply regret the accident.”
The accident comes after reports earlier this week that despite deadline extensions, some of Brazil’s 2014 stadiums won’t be completed on time.
——
What do you think of this news? Do you think the construction of the stadiums in Brazil has been handled properly? Do you see the stadium being finished in time?
Share your thoughts below.