A local construction worker helping to build the stage for Shakira’s upcoming Brazil concert has died after suffering “crushing injuries,” organizers have confirmed.
A statement posted to social media by the concert’s organizers said “an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26th) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show.”
In a statement to People, the state fire brigade confirmed: “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.” The unidentified worker was taken to a local hospital where he died.
The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer’s Todo Mundo No Rio concert is scheduled to take place May 2 in Rio, Brazil. The Independent understands that the worker killed was a local and not part of Shakira’s crew slated to arrive in Rio nearer to the concert.
The area around the stage set up could be seen roped off with caution tape following the death of the construction worker
Shakira was confirmed as the headliner of the Rio concert by the city’s mayor. The event takes place on Copacabana Beach and has been known to attract millions of tourists.
Announcing the news in a February 12 Instagram video, the singer called it “the most dreamed-of concert of my life.
“We’re going to have so much fun!”
Over the weekend, Shakira posted again, writing in an Instagram caption: “Almost there, Rio!!! Prepping so many surprises for you: guest artists, new wardrobe, songs you’ll love to hear… Can’t wait to be there… no altar do planeta!!”
Shakira most recently hit the road in 2025 with her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour.
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She launched the tour in South America in February 2025, but was soon forced to cancel a concert in Lima, Peru, after she was hospitalized with an abdominal issue. A week later, she had to cancel a concert in Medellín, Colombia, over concerns about the safety of the stage. Similar stage concerns put paid to a pair of scheduled shows in Santiago, Chile.
The singer then had to reschedule concerts in Boston and at the World Pride 2025 event in Washington, D.C., due to equipment issues.
It is not yet clear if the Rio concert will go ahead as scheduled.