• Rescuers say there may be more casualties
• Corinthians ‘deeply regret the accident’

Three people have been killed after the collapse of part of the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, one of the 2014 World Cup venues.

A crane, considered the largest in Brazil at 114ft tall, came down at the back of the stadium, which is still under construction, causing widespread damage.

The head of the fire department, Mauro Lopes, said there was the possibility of more casualties. The toll could have been worse had the crane not come down around lunchtime when there were fewer workers around.

The Brazilian constructors Odebrecht are to issue an official statement on the incident.

The stadium has been evacuated and, according to globo.com, the rescue effort is being led by the fire department with ambulances and a military police helicopter also on hand to help.

Corinthians issued a short statement, saying: “The board of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista hereby deeply regret the accident earlier in Corinthians Arena . No other information at this time.”

• Corinthians
• World Cup 2014
• World Cup

theguardian.com