BREAKING NEWS: Madonna’s Stage Collapses; One Person Dies
Jul. 16 2009, Published 3:59 p.m. ET
The Marseille fire department says a stage built for Madonna’s concert at the Stage Velodrome stadium collapsed on several workers on Thursday, killing one person and injuring at least six others. The popstar was set to perform in the French town on July 19 but the mayor confirmed the concert has been cancelled.
See more images from the scene of the incident.
"I am devastated to have just received this tragic news," Madonna said in a statement. "My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news." She was in Udine, Italy, when the accident occured and was told as she finished her soundcheck on a different stage at the Stadio Friuli. The concerts are part of the European leg of her "Sticky & Sweet" tour.
The six survivors were taken to a nearby hospital and two of the them are seriously wounded. The cause of the collapse remains unclear and the area where the accident occurred is currently barricaded. Initial reports point to a crane failure which caused its contents to spill on to the stage. The roof was also said to have collapsed.
Brush up on your French and click on the video to watch officials clear up the aftermath.