A worker involved in the construction of a large-scale concert stage for Shakira has died following a structural accident in Rio de Janeiro, organizers confirmed, casting a shadow over preparations for one of the city’s most anticipated live events of the year.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, at Copacabana Beach, where the Colombian pop star is scheduled to perform on May 2 as part of the “Todo Mundo no Rio” concert series. The free event is expected to draw massive crowds and is positioned as a major cultural attraction in the city.
In a statement released on social media, the event organizers said the accident took place during the assembly of stage structures. Emergency responders were called to the scene immediately after the incident, and the injured worker was transported to a hospital. Despite those efforts, the individual later died from injuries sustained in the collapse.
“An accident this Sunday afternoon tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on the assembly of the show’s structures,” organizers said in a translated statement. “First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient.” The statement added that organizers are offering support to the victim’s family and to the company responsible for the construction team.
Details surrounding the cause of the accident remain limited, and it is not yet clear what structural failure led to the collapse. Eyewitness accounts suggest the situation escalated quickly. According to a witness cited by French news agency France24, people began running after part of the structure suddenly gave way. “Out of nowhere, we saw people running, and when we looked, the structure was on the ground,” the witness said, adding that the worker had become trapped beneath the debris before others rushed to assist.
Additional reporting from Reuters indicated that the victim suffered severe injuries to the lower limbs as a result of the collapse, though officials have not released a full medical report or identified the individual publicly.
The performance remains scheduled as planned, though organizers have not confirmed whether additional safety reviews or adjustments to the event setup will be implemented following the accident.
The “Todo Mundo no Rio” concert series has previously hosted high-profile performances from global artists, including Lady Gaga and Madonna, and is designed to bring large-scale, free live music events to the public in Rio de Janeiro. The upcoming show featuring Shakira is expected to attract millions of attendees, continuing the series’ tradition of high attendance and international attention.
Shakira’s recent live performances have demonstrated her continued drawing power. Earlier this year, the singer hosted a free concert at the Zócalo in Mexico City that drew an estimated 400,000 people. Her most recent album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, was released in 2024 and has supported her return to large-scale global performances.
The fatal incident in Rio has raised renewed concerns about safety conditions during the rapid construction of temporary event infrastructure, particularly for large outdoor concerts that require complex staging systems. While investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the collapse, the focus in the immediate aftermath has shifted to supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of ongoing preparations.
Authorities have not yet announced whether a formal inquiry will be launched, but given the scale of the upcoming event and the circumstances surrounding the accident, further scrutiny is likely in the days leading up to the concert.
Representatives for Shakira have not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
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