Madonna stage collapse investigated as manslaughter

French authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation into the deadly collapse of a stage being built for an upcoming Madonna concert in Marseille.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the collapse, which killed two people and injured several others.

Assistant prosecutor Marc Simamonti told the Associated Press that an investigation by the prosecutor's office for manslaughter and involuntary injuries in a work-related accident has been opened. Preliminary hearings in the matter are set to take place on Sunday or Monday.

Approximately 50 workers were building the stage at the city's Velodrome stadium in anticipation for the pop star's gig there this Sunday (July 19), when the partially-built roof collapsed. The show has been cancelled as a result, and Madonna has sent her condolences to the victims' families.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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