Radiohead Stage Collapse In Canada Leaves One Dead

According to The Toronto Star, a stage collapse has left a Radiohead crew member dead ahead of an outdoor concert in Toronto's Downview Park on the weekend.

As crew were making last minute preparations for the show, a loud "crackling" sound was heard - staff then witnessed the back scaffolding "twist and snap".

One stage worker was killed and three more were injured in the collapse. One worker on the site told The Star that the mangled metalwork looked like "toothpicks".

The deceased has been confirmed as Scott Johnson, a member of Radiohead's road crew.

The concert was scheduled to start 7.30pm on Saturday. With fans already lined-up outside the gates, the event was cancelled.

Fire crews used inflatable bags to lift the debris as they searched for trapped workers. A man in his 30s was pulled from the wreckage but was pronounced dead at the scene.

A tweet from Radiohead announced that the concert was cancelled "due to unforeseen circumstances". The sold out show was expecting 40,000 fans.

Forensic specialists are now working with Canada's Ministry Of Labour to determine the cause of the accident.

Radiohead were rumoured to join The Flaming Lips at a free show in another part of Toronto that night but no members of the band were on stage. According to The Star though, The Flaming Lips did cover Radiohead's Knives Out.

Lips frontman Wayne Coyne acknowledged the disaster, saying: "This unthinkable thing that happened today, we can't all help but be affected by it. Peace be with their hearts tonight.”

UPDATE: Radiohead have issued a statement, indicating that the deceased was touring crew member Scott Johnson. On the band's website drummer Phil Selway posted:

"We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our friend and colleague. He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love are with Scott's family and all those close to him."

Vision of the collapsed stage is available here: