After a 23-year-old fan died at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium in Rio, Taylor Swift, the American superstar, has postponed her concert due to the extreme heat. This tragic incident has left her “devastated” as she prioritizes the safety and well-being of her fans, other artists, and technicians. The concert, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been rescheduled to Monday amidst temperatures reaching close to 60 degrees Celsius.
The organizers were criticized for not allowing the attendees to bring water bottles despite the scorching heat. Fans who were already queuing outside the stadium were trying to shield themselves from the sun with umbrellas while firefighters were spraying water on the crowd.
Taylor Swift took to Instagram to express her heartbreak and grief over the loss of a fan, stating that her “heart aches for the family and friends” of the deceased. An investigation into the cause of the fan’s death is underway, and authorities have emphasized the need for event organizers to provide access to drinking water.
The concert producer, Time For Fun, confirmed that the medical team at the stadium quickly assisted the young woman and transferred her to the hospital after about an hour of emergency care. This tragic occurrence has highlighted the unusually high temperatures in Rio, with the mercury reaching a record 59.3°C, far above the normal levels for the region.
It’s unacceptable for people to suffer, faint, and even die due to lack of access to water. The Brazilian Minister of Justice has called for event organizers to ensure visitors have access to clean drinking water to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite the tragic event, Taylor Swift continues to convey her grief and concern for her fans, maintaining her strong commitment to their safety and well-being.