Although eyewitnesses said the collapse happened slowly enough for some of those below to get out of the way, a 53-year-old French worker was killed outright. A number of other people were injured in the accident, some of them seriously, including a 32-year old British man who later died after undergoing emergency surgery for severe head wounds. A US citizen was also seriously injured, while around 30 people in total were treated for minor injuries and shock. French Police have begun a criminal investigation.
Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour was in Udine, Italy, when she received news of the incident. "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news," she said in a statement released by the 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."
Madonna's show, planned for Sunday, has been cancelled.
(Lee Baldock)
