Madonna stage collapse kills two

Two people have died after the stage for a Madonna concert collapsed while it was being constructed in France.

Technicians had been setting up the stage at a stadium in Marseilles when the partially-built roof fell in, bringing down a crane on Thursday.

One worker was killed outright in the accident, and another died later. Six other people have been injured.

Madonna said she was "devastated" by news of the accident. Her concert, planned for Sunday, has been cancelled.

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Firefighters said the accident happened when the roof of the stage became unbalanced as it was being lifted by four cranes, toppling one of them.

The roof "started shaking and collapsing" gradually, said Marseilles city councillor Maurice Di Nocera.

"Since it did not collapse right away, that allowed several people to get out, to avoid being hit," he said.

Madonna said: "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news.

"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."