At least two people are dead after a crane collapsed Wednesday at the construction site of a future World Cup soccer stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Chicago Tribune reports that a spokesman for the Sao Paulo fire department confirmed the two deaths.
The stadium, which was slated to be finished next month, also sustained significant structural damage. The site is set to house six matches including the opening game when Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil has been criticized and is struggling to get the World Cup projects finished within the time constraints given by FIFA. At some construction sites workers are building around the clock trying to have all the venues finished by next month’s deadline.
According to USA Today, the stadium locally known as Itaquerao, was almost complete before the collapse and that the crane was installing the last part of the structure.
Photos taken by the local media show destruction to part of the stands in the east side of the venue and LED panel installed outside the venue.
After the accident, FIFA released a statement on its website. It read in part:
"We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the workers who tragically died today. The safety of workers is the top priority for FIFA, the LOC and the federal government. We know the safety of all workers has always been paramount for all the construction companies contracted to build the 12 FIFA World Cup stadiums.”