A worker involved in assembling the stage for Shakira’s upcoming concert in Brazil has died following a fatal accident during preparations, organisers confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon as crews worked on infrastructure for the large-scale public show scheduled to take place on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach.

In statements shared on Instagram and cited by People, officials confirmed that the crew member suffered severe injuries while operating lifting equipment and later died in hospital despite emergency interventions.

Organisers confirm fatal accident during setup

The event’s official page for the “Todo Mundo No Rio” concert released a translated statement acknowledging the tragedy.

“The event organizers confirm that an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26th) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show. First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient. Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital,” the statement said.

Organisers added that support was being extended to all those affected. “At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim's family.”

Fire brigade details how accident occurred

According to the state fire brigade (CBMERJ), the worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs while using a lifting system. Officials said the victim had already been removed from the equipment by colleagues before emergency teams arrived.

The brigade told People, “A worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system. Before the arrival of emergency teams, the victim had already been removed from the equipment by other employees present.”

Emergency personnel began treatment immediately and transported him to Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The fire brigade added, “Military personnel from the ambulance service of the 3rd Maritime Group (GMAR-Copacabana) immediately began pre-hospital care on the victim, who was then transported to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed.”

Show was part of Shakira’s global tour

The mayor of Rio de Janeiro previously announced that Shakira would headline this year’s “Todo Mundo no Rio” public concert. The performance forms part of the singer’s global tour, which began in 2025.

The fatal accident occurred just days before the event was set to take place, casting a shadow over preparations for the large-scale beachfront show.

Shakira’s India shows also postponed

The tragedy follows another recent update concerning the singer’s tour schedule. Shakira had been set to perform in India earlier in April, with concerts planned at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. However, organisers announced that both performances were postponed due to what they described as the “geopolitical situation and regional tensions.”

(With IANS input)