Shakira’s Brazil Concert Hit by Tragedy as Crew Member Dies in Stage Accident Days Before Show
Shakira Crew Member Dies During Stage Setup for Copacabana Beach Concert as Show Remains Scheduled for May 2
A construction worker died after being injured while helping with the stage setup for Shakira’s upcoming massive Copacabana concert in Brazil. Concert organizers confirmed the death in a statement posted to their official Instagram. It has been revealed that the professional was given medical assistance, but he succumbed to the injuries.
In a statement posted to the official Todo Mundo No Rio Instagram account, translated from Portuguese, organizers said, “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 went on to say, “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.”
Show organizers confirmed the worker's death.
"At this time, we are providing all support, comfort and solidarity to the responsible company, its team and the victim's family," the statement concluded.
According to People, the state fire brigade, known as CBMERJ, also confirmed the death in an official statement. It said, “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.”
A construction worker died after being injured while helping with the stage setup for Shakira’s upcoming show.
In addition, the statement revealed that rescue personnel from the 3rd Maritime Group's ambulance unit, known as GMAR-Copacabana, provided initial medical care before transporting the victim to Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. Despite efforts from the rescue team, the victim was pronounced dead.
A France 24 report also quoted concert organizer Bonus Track, who confirmed the news. Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, 51, a witness who was on the beach at the time, told AFP.
He said, “Out of nowhere, we saw people running, and when we looked, the structure was on the ground.” He further remembered, “People were saying that a man had gotten trapped underneath. People rushed over to pull him out.” The report noted that construction crews had spent weeks building the stage on Copacabana Beach.
Following the incident, Shakira has not yet publicly responded but is still expected to perform at the venue on May 2 as part of her world tour.
Mirror US reported that Shakira canceled a concert last June after problems with the stage setup were discovered. The Colombian singer at the time even posted a story expressing her disappointment in a lengthy note. She explained that they rely on third parties to support the stage and the ceiling from which her production hangs.
Shakira announced her show cancellation last year.
She added, “I am so sad to inform you what I have been told: that due to a structural issue with a truss provided by this third-party company to support my stage, we are being forced to reschedule my sold-out show in San Antonio originally planned for tonight, June 13.”
She said she ordered a full review after issues in Boston, brought in engineers, and was assured that the structure had been strengthened and was safe for future shows.