A tragic accident has claimed a life, just days before Shakira's highly anticipated "Todo Mundo No Rio" concert in Rio, Brazil. The event organizers confirmed in a statement on social media that a construction worker, who had been laboring to build the stage, tragically passed away in an accident on April 26th.
The statement, translated from Portuguese, detailed the initial response from first responders who provided immediate care at the scene. The Fire Department was swiftly called to transport the patient, but unfortunately, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The organizers expressed their deep condolences and solidarity with the responsible company, its team, and the victim's family.
The local fire brigade (CBMERJ) confirmed that the construction worker sustained "crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system." Thankfully, the individual had already been removed from the equipment by the time emergency teams arrived. 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 best efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed.
The stage is being constructed on Copacabana Beach and is expected to attract a large number of fans and tourists for the upcoming concert. An eyewitness, 51-year-old Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, described the chaotic scene of the accident. "Out of nowhere, we saw people running, and when we looked, the structure was on the ground," he told AFP outlet, per France 24. "People were saying that a man had gotten trapped underneath. People rushed over to pull him out."
Shakira has yet to publicly address the tragic accident, but she did share her excitement for the upcoming concert earlier that day on Instagram. "Almost there, Rio!!!" she wrote. "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."
