Brazil’s 2014 Preparations Rocked after Two Workers Die in Stadium Collapse

Preparations for Brazil’s staging of the 2014 World Cup has been rocked after two workers were found dead at Sao Paulo’s 2014 World Cup stadium Arena Corinthians after a crane fell and destroyed part of the stadium.

Another man is in hospital with his condition unknown, while local police said several other construction workers also suffered injuries.

Stadium officials are certain they will still be ready to host the tournament opener on June 12, 2014 but accept they could miss FIFA’s December deadline for completion.

“Shortly before 1pm, the crane that hoisted the last module of the structure of the metal roof of the Sao Paulo Stadium collapsed causing the fall of part of the circulation area of the east building – partially hitting the LED facade,” construction company Odebrecht Infrastructure said in a statement.

“The structure of the grandstand was not compromised. It was the 38th time this type of procedure had been performed and a number of equal proportions was installed just over a week ago in the southern sector of the stadium.

“Teams of firemen are in place. At the moment, all efforts are focused to provide full assistance to the families of the victims.”

FIFA echoed the Odebrecht’s concern for the families.

“We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the workers who tragically died today,” the governing body’s statement said.

“The safety of workers is the top priority for FIFA, the (Local Organising Committee) and the federal government.

“We know the safety of all works has always been paramount for all the construction companies contracted to build the 12 FIFA World Cup stadiums.”

There has been ongoing concerns with the safety and timing of the stadiums being built or upgraded ahead of next year’s tournament.

The latest incident brings the total number of fatalities to four, after one person died working on the renovation in Brasilia’s 70,000 seat stadium last year and another during construction of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.

{jcomments on}