Part of the Sao Paulo stadium that will host the World Cup opener in Brazil next year partially collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, causing significant damage and killing three people. The accidentcould delay the delivery of the stadium by FIFA’s December deadline, the Associated Press reports. Called Arena Corinthians, the stadium was nearly completed before the collapse.
Acrane installing the last part of the structure collapsed on top of the metal structure. Because it occurred at lunchtime, fewer works were at the work site.
“FIFA and the LOC havelearned of the death of workers at the Corinthian’s Arena site in Sao Paulo with great sadness,” FIFA said in a statement. “We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family ofthe workers who tragically died today.
“We know the safety of all workers has always been paramount for all the construction companies contracted to build the 12 FIFA World Cupstadiums,” it said in a statement. “The local authorities will fully investigate the reasons behind such a tragic accident.”