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Stage for French Madonna show collapses; 1 dead

The Associated Press

Ambulances leave the Stade Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday July 16, 2009. A stage being built for a Madonna concert at the stadium collapsed Thursday, falling apart on top of several workers, leaving one dead and six injured.

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By The Associated Press

Published: July 16, 2009

MARSEILLE, France - The roof of a stage being built for a Madonna concert in the French port city of Marseille collapsed Thursday, leaving one worker dead and six injured, city officials said.

The roof at the Stade Velodrome stadium fell apart on top of several workers.

One worker was killed and two were injured in very serious condition, said Maurice Di Nocera, Marseille city councilor in charge of major events, said on France-Info radio.

The four other injured fractured bones, he said. All of the injured were taken to local hospitals.

He said the roof had been about two-thirds complete and that it collapsed gradually on top of several workers.

"Since it did not collapse right away, that allowed several people to get out, to avoid being hit," he said.
The identities of the dead and injured were not immediately released.

The cause of the roof collapse was not clear. Police and emergency officials cordoned off the area.

Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet" tour was due to arrive in Marseille on Sunday, but the concert was canceled because "rebuilding a stage, it's not possible," Di Nocera said.

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