MARSEILLE, France – One person was killed and several injured Thursday in the collapse of a stage being set up for a Madonna gig in the French city of Marseille, forcing the cancellation of the giant concert.
“I am devastated to have just received this tragic news,” Madonna said in a statement released by organisers of the concert.
“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.”
Nine people were hurt in the accident, including an American and a Briton who were taken to hospital with serious injuries, firefighters said. The person killed was a 53-year-old French citizen, according to firefighters.
The pop star was in Udine, Italy, at the time of the accident and was given the news as she finished her soundcheck on a different stage at the Stadio Friuli, the statement said.
Others injured included three people from France and one person from the Comoros islands, as well as three others whose nationalities were not confirmed, they said.
The accident occurred at the 60,000-seater Stade Velodrome, France’s second biggest sports arena and home to the Olympique de Marseille football club.
The deputy mayor of Marseille, Jose Allegrini, said the American pop star’s concert, planned for Sunday, had been cancelled.
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