A technician has been killed and six others injured in France after the stage they were building for an upcoming concert by Madonna collapsed.

The incident occurred when a temporary roof canopy buckled, causing a crane to fall at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille.

As many as 50 technicians were working on the structure when it became unbalanced.

Officials said a 53-year-old Frenchman was killed and two of those injured – a Briton and an American – were in a serious condition.

In a statement, Madonna said she had been left “devastated” by the “tragic news”.

"My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news,” she added.

The singer’s planned concert at the venue on Sunday has been cancelled, organisers said.

The show had been scheduled to form part of the second leg of Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet world tour.

(by Jason Gregory)