Brazil stadium collapse kills eight people
By Patrick Nathanson
Last Updated: 7:03am GMT 26/11/2007
Eight people were killed and dozens injured after a section of the stands gave way at the Fonte Nova football stadium in northeastern Brazil last night.
Major Edmilson Tavares of the city of Salvador's federal police said that at least nine people fell through part of the highest bleachers.
About 60,000 people were at the stadium for the game between Bahia and Vila Nova when, according to reports on Brazilian television, a hole opened up in the concrete floor of the stand as Bahia fans celebrated their team's 0-0 draw, which ensured their promotion to Brazil's second division.
The victims fell several stories to the ground, though many fans at the stadium did not realize what had happened as they invaded the pitch in celebration.
The stadium, which was built in 1951, recently came under heavy criticism for its dilipadidated condition.
Indeed, a survey of football stadiums released last month by Brazil's Sinaeco association of architects and engineers said the Fonte Nova's stands were "in ruins".
Fonte Nova was evaluated as part of a study of Brazilian football venues because Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup, with Salvador would almost certain to be awarded some of the games.
The state governor of Bahia state, Jacques Wagner, has ordered the closure of the stadium while authorities investigate the cause of the accident.
By Patrick Nathanson
Last Updated: 7:03am GMT 26/11/2007
Eight people were killed and dozens injured after a section of the stands gave way at the Fonte Nova football stadium in northeastern Brazil last night.
Major Edmilson Tavares of the city of Salvador's federal police said that at least nine people fell through part of the highest bleachers.
About 60,000 people were at the stadium for the game between Bahia and Vila Nova when, according to reports on Brazilian television, a hole opened up in the concrete floor of the stand as Bahia fans celebrated their team's 0-0 draw, which ensured their promotion to Brazil's second division.
The victims fell several stories to the ground, though many fans at the stadium did not realize what had happened as they invaded the pitch in celebration.
The stadium, which was built in 1951, recently came under heavy criticism for its dilipadidated condition.
Indeed, a survey of football stadiums released last month by Brazil's Sinaeco association of architects and engineers said the Fonte Nova's stands were "in ruins".
Fonte Nova was evaluated as part of a study of Brazilian football venues because Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup, with Salvador would almost certain to be awarded some of the games.
The state governor of Bahia state, Jacques Wagner, has ordered the closure of the stadium while authorities investigate the cause of the accident.
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