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Madonna cries for Briton killed as stage collapses
Peter Allen in Paris and Nick Pisa in Rome17 Jul 2009
Madonna broke down on stage as she paid tribute to a Briton and a Frenchman killed as they prepared a stadium for one of her concerts.
On stage at the Fruili Stadium in Udine, northern Italy, the Queen of Pop said she had been “devastated” to hear news of the deaths while she was rehearsing.
Stopping the concert she spoke through tears to tell the huge crowd: “I ask you for a moment to stop and think of the people who have lost their lives, we need to appreciate life, the people we love and our families.”
The 22-year-old Briton and a 53-year-old French crewman were killed when a stage they were working on collapsed at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille.
A partially built roof fell, sending a crane crashing down upon the men.
The Briton was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.
Five other people were hurt including an American who also suffered serious injuries. About 30 people were treated for shock.
Fire-fighters said the accident occurred when the roof of the stage caved in as it was being lifted by four cranes.
City sports official Richard Miron said about 50 people from a range of nationalities were working to set up the structure at the time.
Up to a dozen are believed to have been underneath the stage when the accident occurred yesterday at 5.15pm.
“Since it did not collapse right away, that allowed several people to get out, to avoid being hit,” he added.
Marseille's public prosecutor. Jacques Dallest, said a police enquiry had been opened.
One stadium worker said the set had “cost many hundreds of thousands”, and added: “It was extremely sophisticated, with masses of lighting and scenery.
“The technicians knew what they were doing, but there was a terrible accident.”
Madonna released a statement saying: “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.”
