Madonna visits grieving families

Jul 20, 2009, 9:19 GMT

Madonna has travelled to France to visit the families of the men killed when her stage set collapsed.

The singer arrived in Marseilles with two of her children - David, three, and four-year-old Mercy - yesterday (19.07.09), and hugged the widow of one of the men during the emotional meeting.

Wearing a black dress and jacket, Madonna said: "Let's all just take a moment to say a prayer for Charles Criscenzo and Charlie Prow. Our hearts go out to their family and loved ones."

The 50-year-old singer also visited two hospitals where eight other people who were injured in the accident are being cared for.

A source said: "She wanted to make a positive gesture. She won't be performing but will be showing solidarity with the victims' families. She is moved by what happened and feels very personally involved."

Charles Prow, 23, and Charles Criscenzo, 53, were killed when the partially-built roof for the set at the city's Velodrome stadium caved in, bringing down a crane.

Technicians had been setting up the stage at the 60,000-seater stadium when the partially-built structure collapsed.

Madonna - who was due to play five shows at the venue from Sunday (19.07.09) - quickly issued a statement, saying: "I'm devastated at the tragic news. My prayers go to those who were injured and their families."

A manslaughter investigation has been opened amid claims one of the cranes maneuvering the set was faulty.

A stadium worker said: "Normally four cranes are used to lift temporary roofs, but on this occasion only three were being used. It was a recipe for disaster."