Three days after a tragic accident that resulted in the death of two workers, construction partially resumed at the “Itaquerao” stadium in Sao Paulo, which is set to host the opening match of the 2014 World Cup. The construction work was halted due to the collapse of a crane responsible for lifting a 420-tonne portion of the roof, causing destruction to part of the stands and a giant screen.
An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the crane collapse. Before resuming work, the workers gathered for a prayer circle with a priest, reflecting on the sadness of losing their colleagues. About 30% of the construction work remains halted while the investigation continues.
The cost of building the stadium, which will belong to the Corinthians football club, is estimated at nearly 300 million euros. The delay caused by the accident puts the completion of the stadium, initially scheduled for December 31, in jeopardy. FIFA had set a deadline for the delivery of all stadiums, and the Sao Paulo stadium is already 45 to 60 days behind schedule. Another stadium, in Cuiaba, is also facing delays in construction.
