A devastating incident has punctuated Shakira's forthcoming concert in Brazil.
On Sunday, April 26, a construction worker was tragically killed while assembling the stage for the "Ciega, Sordomuda" singer's performance with Todo Mundo no Rio, a major public concert held on Copacabana Beach and attracts millions of tourists.
The victim suffered severe crushing injuries to his lower limbs after becoming trapped in a lifting system, and later passed away in the hospital.
In a statement on Instagram first shared in Portuguese, Todo Mundo No Rio, shared: "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."
The statement further read: "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 confirmed, maintaining: "At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim's family."
© Getty Images for Global CitizenThe state fire brigade (CBMERJ) separately shared: "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," in a statement to People.
"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," the release added.
France24 reports that witness Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, 51, who was on the beach at the time, also told AFP: "Out of nowhere, we saw people running, and when we looked, the structure was on the ground."
© Getty Images"People were saying that a man had gotten trapped underneath. People rushed over to pull him out," he further shared.
© Getty ImagesTodo Mundo no Rio, in its third installment, is slated for May 2, with Shakira as its headliner. The project gained prominence after Madonna's record-breaking performance in May 2024, which was followed by a similarly record-breaking performance by Lady Gaga the following May.
The public concert is free of admission, and last year drew a record audience of 2.5 million people, surpassing the previous mark of 1.6 million set by Madonna in May 2024.
