2nd Death In Madonna Stage Collapse

The stage’s roof was about two-thirds complete when it collapsed on top of several workers, immediately killing a 53-year-old French man. The emergency brought 27 fire engines and 80 firefighters to the scene of the accident at the Stade Velodrome Stadium.

A 32-year-old British worker then died in the hospital Friday, according to the British Foreign Office and a high-ranking police official, as reported by CNN.

A third person is in critical condition, according to Alexandre Lanzalavi, a spokesman for Marseille Hospital. Two other workers required surgery and seven others were treated and released.

An investigation is being launched into the cause of the collapse. Lt. Thierry Delorme of the French Navy told CNN what is known is that a crane collapsed while lifting a large metallic truss (which is used to hang lights) into place. Police say a faulty power winch might have been involved in the accident.

Madonna’s Sunday’s show in Marseille was canceled.

The Material Girl released a statement Thursday saying she was “devastated” about the stage collapse.

“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 said in a statement issued by her representative, Liz Rosenberg.

The fan Web site AllAboutMadonna.com reported she also spoke about the victims during her Thursday show at Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.

Here’s what she said before singing “You Must Love Me”:

“Before I continue the show I want to take a moment to acknowledge and pay tribute to two people who lost their lives today. I don’t know if you’ve heard. Two men building my show in Marseille where we’re going next – the crane fell and we don’t know why. … I hate to be associated with suffering. I want to pay tribute to their families. Let’s take a moment to appreciate our family, loved ones, friends around us”.

Madonna is touring Europe with dates in Spain, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Denmark and Germany through Aug. 29. On Sept. 1 she plays a one-off concert in Israel.

Click here for the CNN.com article.

Click here for the AP article.

Click here for AllAboutMadonna.com.