The preparations for this year's World Cup in Brazil once again claimed another life when a 55-year old construction worker died on Friday while working at the Arena da Amazonia in the city of Manaus.
Antônio José Pita Martins was hit on the head by a piece of falling iron that was part of a crane that had been utilized to build the stadium's room was dismantled, according to a report by CNN. The man died due to head and chest injuries.
"With great sadness we send our sincere condolences to the family, on behalf of both FIFA and the Local Organising Committee," wrote FIFA Secretary General Kerome Valcke on Twitter as reported by CNN.
The arena which can seat 42,000 people will host four matches including a highly anticipated match-up between soccer powers Italy and England. Other games to be played here include United States-Portugal, Cameroon-Croatia and Honduras-Switzerland. Its construction has been beset by several deaths, and Martins was the third worker who died while working in or near the construction area.
Last December, Marcleudo de Melo Ferreira died after he fell nearly 35 meters from the roof of the stadium. Another fatality was recorded in March 2013, prompting many construction workers to rally and complain about their safety conditions.
The sports minister of Brazil, Aldo Rebelo, also issued a statement condoling with the fatality's family. It read: ""The Sports Ministry laments the death of worker Antônio José Pita Martins, victim of an accident at the construction site of the Arena da Amazonia, on Friday, in Manaus.
"Personally and in the name of the federal government, I express deep regret and express my feelings and solidarity with the family and friends of the worker."
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