A tragic accident during stage construction has claimed the life of a crew member preparing for Shakira's highly anticipated free concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon, April 26, as workers assembled structures at Copacabana Beach for the massive outdoor event scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
Concert organizers confirmed the fatality through an official statement posted on the Todo Mundo No Rio Instagram account. "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," the statement read. "First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient."
Despite emergency response efforts, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The organizers stated they are "providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim's family" during this difficult time.
The Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Brigade provided additional details about the nature of the accident in a statement. "A worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system," officials explained. "Before the arrival of emergency teams, the victim had already been removed from the equipment by other employees present."
Military personnel from the ambulance service of the 3rd Maritime Group (GMAR-Copacabana) immediately began pre-hospital care and transported the victim to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. "Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed," the Fire Brigade statement concluded.
An eyewitness who spoke to France24 described the chaotic scene as the accident unfolded. "When we looked, the structure was on the ground," the witness recalled. "People were saying that a man had gotten trapped underneath. People rushed over to pull him out."
As of Monday, Shakira has not publicly addressed the incident. Just one day before the accident, on Saturday, April 25, the international superstar posted enthusiastically about the upcoming show on Instagram. "Almost there, Rio!!! Prepping so many surprises for you: guest artists, new wardrobe, songs you'll love to hear," she wrote. "Can't wait to be there … no altar do planeta!!"
The tragedy casts a shadow over what was planned as a celebration of international music in Brazil. Todo Mundo No Rio is a free live event that began in 2024, transforming Copacabana Beach into a massive concert venue at the beginning of May each year. The event launches a month-long cultural celebration for the country.
Madonna inaugurated the series with a performance in May 2024, followed by Lady Gaga in May 2025. Shakira's concert was announced earlier this year as the third installment of the annual tradition, drawing significant anticipation from fans across Brazil and beyond.
The incident raises questions about safety protocols during large-scale event construction, particularly for outdoor concerts of this magnitude. Stage assembly for major productions involves complex rigging, lifting systems, and structural components that require careful coordination and adherence to safety standards.
It remains unclear whether the May 2 concert will proceed as scheduled or if organizers will postpone the event in light of the fatal accident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the worker's death is expected to continue as authorities examine what led to the structural failure.