Two killed in Brazil World Cup stadium accident

Last Updated: Thursday, November 28, 2013, 10:38  

Rio de Janeiro: At least two construction workers were killed on Wednesday after a part of the ceiling in Brazil`s Itaquerao stadium collapsed. The stadium is due to the host an opening match of the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The incident occurred as the last section of the roof over the bleachers was being installed in the stadium, located in Sao Paulo city, Xinhua reported.

As the roof was being set up into place, the crane holding the structure broke down, causing the roof to fall over the bleachers. The crane itself also fell on the same place.

According to the authorities, one of the victims was the worker operating the crane, and the other was a worker installing the seats on the bleachers.

Most workers were on their lunch break at the time of the accident.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter regretted the incident on Twitter and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased workers.

Soccer club Corinthians, the owner of the new stadium, released a statement offering its condolences to the families and declared seven days of mourning in the club.

The Itaquerao stadium will host six matches of the FIFA World Cup, including the opening match and a semifinal.
IANS ---------------------- ZEENEWS.com