Roof Falls and Destroys Part of Itaquerão Bleachers; Builder Confirms Deaths

11/27/2013 - 14h56

The last piece of the roof being installed with a crane at Itaquerão collapsed around noon on Wednesday, destroying part of the bleachers of the future Corinthians stadium and leading to deaths.

Odebrecht, the construction company responsible for the project, confirmed the deaths of two workers.

In an interview with TV Record, Major Mauro Lopes with the Military Police said the accident caused the deaths of three people.

The new Corinthians stadium was due to be delivered in December of this year. It was chosen to host the opening of the 2014 World Cup.

The piece was being installed by a crane on the east side and is about 15 meters long.

On Nov. 13, Odebrecht announced that 94% of the stadium's construction was completed.

According to the builder, the roof of the eastern sector was almost ready, with only the lining left to be put in place.

INAUGURATION

Before the accident, the Corinthians had announced it would seize the opportunity of São Paulo's 460th birthday on Jan. 25 to play Itaquerão's first game. It was expected to be between Odebrecht workers and those who work for the soccer club.

The first match for the main Corinthians team should happen in early March, most likely a Paulista Championship game on a Sunday. The stadiums 48,000 fixed seats will be used, and not its provisional bleachers.

The Corinthians stadium will host the 2014 World Cup's opening match. Aside from the Cup opener, another five of the tournament's games will be played there.

PALMEIRAS

In April, Carlos de Jesus, 34, who worked construction on the future Palmeiras stadium, died after part of the bleachers - equivalent to three tons - fell. Another worker, Crispiniano dos Santos, 22, had minor injuries to the head and wrist.

Four beams in the new area, which is being built where the old one was located, fell in domino effect. Upon collapse, five people were in the area and three were able to escape. The accident happened near the tennis courts.

Both were employees of TLMix, service provider for construction company WTorre, which is responsible for the work, supply and installation of precast concrete.

Translated by JILL LANGLOIS

Read the article in the original language

	Fabio Zanini /Folhapress
	The last piece of the roof being installed at Itaquerão collapsed destroying part of the bleachers of the future Corinthians stadium