Two Killed During Stage Construction For Madonna Concert

Two workers were killed during the construction process of a stage for a Madonna concert in Marseille, France.

Workers had been preparing a stage for the concert which was scheduled to take place on in July at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

Cranes collapsed

However, an area of the partially-built roof over the stage collapsed after four cranes which had been lifting the roof slipped causing the 60 tonnes of collapsed rubble to crash down.

Twenty-seven fire engines and 80 fire-fighters rushed to the scene to rescue the injured.

A rescue worker said: "There were a lot of open fractures and injuries, it was a messy sight."

As a result a 53-year-old French worker and a 23-year-old British worker lost their lives.

The French worker was killed at the scene while the British worker died in hospital after suffering from severe injuries.

An American worker was also hospitalised suffering from injuries believed to be life-threatening.

Up to 30 other workers suffered from personal injuries and shock as a result of the accident with five being classified as severe.

One of the workers stated that the stage "was extremely sophisticated, with masses of lighting and scenery. The technicians knew what they were doing, but there was a terrible accident."

Marseille city councillor, Maurice Di Nocera, stated that the stage had collapsed gradually.

He said that the roof "started shaking and collapsing."

He added that around 50 other workers managed to escape the scene "since it did not collapse right away."

Madonna devastated after tragic news

In a statement, Madonna said: "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news.

"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."

The firm which was contracted to build the stage for the star, E S Group said: "We were incredibly saddened by the tragic accident during the construction of a stage at the Velodrome at Marseille.

"Our thoughts at this current time go out to the families and loved ones of the two men who died and to those who have been injured. Two of our Directors have flown out to Marseille to visit the injured and to get a better understanding of what caused the accident."

According to the Associated Press, the authorities in Marseille have now launched a manslaughter investigation with officers, examining over 60 tonnes of the rubble. Fifty witnesses will also be interviewed.

It is currently unknown whether any of the victims who suffered personal injuries or the families of those who died as a result of the accident will be filing a compensation claim as a result of the work accident.

Compensation claims can provide a monetary lump sum that may help out financially after the loss of a loved one or if someone becomes injured and unable to work or earn a wage. The levels of compensation that can be received can differ depending on the type of injury sustained and for how long the person has been injured.