Three people are reported dead after part of the east side of the stadium collapsed at the Arena Corinthians stadium in Sao Paolo, Brazil, reports Globo.com.
The stadium will host the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup finals in June.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. There Could Be Further Deaths
Fire department spokesman Mauro Lopes said that the accident happened at lunchtime so there were fewer workers in the area. He has said there could be more casualties found after the debris is cleared. RT.com reports that a fourth person might be trapped.
2. The Stadium Is Being Cleared
The entire stadium has been evacuated with military aiding rescue workers in clearing the debris. The soccer club who will play at the stadium upon its completion, Corinthians Paulista, have said that they “deeply regret” the accident.
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3. The Stadium Has Already Been Dogged by Delays
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In May 2013, it was reported by Goal.com that the stadium’s designers were being put under more pressure by soccer’s governing body, FIFA, over delays. The stadium is due to be handed over to FIFA in December 2013 for finishing touches. The stadium was supposed to be finished in March 2013.
Danny Jordaan, who was a mastermind behind South Africa’s 2010 World Cup stadiums, told the BBC that construction workers were going to need to work 24-hours-a-day.
4. The Stadium Is Due to Open by January
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The stadium is due to hold its first game in January 2014. According to a report on November 14, the stadium was nearly 94% finished.
5. The Biggest TV Screen in the World May Have Been Damaged
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The east side of the stadium, where the accident happened, is due to house the largest single video screen in the world. The streen will be 560 x 66 ft. According to the Associated Press, an LED panel was smashed during the tragedy.
