Shakira crew member dies installing stage for free concert in Brazil

A technician assisting the set-up for the stage of an upcoming Shakira concert in Brazil was killed in a tragic accident in Rio de Janeiro.

Crews have been working for weeks to assemble a stage on the sands of the Brazilian city's Copacabana beach.

In a statement on Instagram, translated from Portuguese, the event organisers said an accident on Sunday afternoon “tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show”.

The statement continued: “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. At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”

The man suffered crushing injuries to his legs in a lifting system, the fire department added in a statement.

The tragic news follows the Columbian pop superstar announcing she is set to perform a free concert, dubbed ‘Todo Mundo No Rio’, on Saturday 2 May – as part of her record-breaking world tour.

The event is attracting millions of tourists to Copacabana beach – much like the Lady Gaga and Madonna free concerts that have taken place there.

Shakira recently gave another free concert at the Zocalo in Mexico City on Sunday 1 March.