Shakira’s Copacabana show struck by tragedy as technician passes away

• Shakira’s stage technician died Sunday after being crushed by a lifting system.
• The accident took place on Copacabana beach during setup for a free concert.
• The performance is part of Shakira’s "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour.
  

Shakira’s upcoming free concert in Rio de Janeiro has been marked by tragedy after a stagehand was crushed to death during setup on Copacabana beach.

The fatal accident occurred on Sunday, as crews were preparing a 1,500-square-meter stage for the "Todo Mundo no Rio" event.

According to local fire department reports, the worker became trapped within a lifting system, sustaining severe crushing injuries to his legs.

Witnesses at the scene described a sudden collapse of the metal structure, followed by a frantic effort from first responders and fellow crew members to pull the man free.

While he was successfully extracted and rushed to a medical facility, the concert organiser, Bonus Track, issued a sombre statement later that evening: "Unfortunately, the technician passed away in hospital."

The worker had been part of a team that had been working for weeks to prepare the site for the massive international crowds expected to attend.

Shakira is slated to perform this May 2, as part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour. The show follows a tradition of massive free performances on the iconic beach, which recently hosted record-breaking crowds for other global superstars.

While the event is still scheduled to proceed, the incident has cast a shadow over the high-profile production. As of Monday afternoon, investigations into the mechanical failure of the lifting system are ongoing.