Three Killed in Crane Collapse at Brazilian Stadium Set to Host World Cup Opener in June
By Mike Cardillo
Three people were killed Wednesday during an accident at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The venue — also known as the Arena Corinthians — was set to host the opener of the 2014 World Cup on June 12 as well as a tournament semifinal.
Early reports cite a crane collapse as the cause of the accident.
Three confirmed dead after crane collapses into World Cup stadium in São Paulo. Awful scenes. pic.twitter.com/BKTmg3Q9WB
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) November 27, 2013
Crane was putting final truss of east stand into place. Tiny silver lining: accident occurred at lunch time so fewer workers in the vacinity
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) November 27, 2013
Crane collapsed because soil beneath it gave way, say military police.
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) November 27, 2013
Sao Paulo Stadium Arena Corinthians, the stadium hosting FIFA World Cup 2014 opener has collapsed. 3 dead in accident pic.twitter.com/aPDWGMmJX7
— Marzooq (Mare') (@AhmedMarzooq) November 27, 2013
The stadium was 94-percent done and estimated to cost around $350 million. FIFA had set a December deadline for completion of all stadiums.
UPDATE: Later Wednesday reports said only two workers were killed in the accident.
Related: 2014 World Cup Draw: There Won’t Be Any Cakewalks for the U.S. National Team