Sao Paulo, Nov 29

Authorities in Brazil have cleared the resumption of construction work at the Itaquerao World Cup stadium.

However, a section of the venue where a facade partially collapsed Wednesday, killing two workers, remains cordoned off as investigations continue to find the cause of the accident, reports Xinhua.

A joint statement issued by builder Odebrecht and stadium owner Corinthians Thursday said the venue had been appraised by inspectors from the labor ministry, unions and the public prosecutors' office.

Work at the stadium will remain paralysed until Monday as a sign of respect to deceased workers Fabio Luiz Pereira, 42, and Ronaldo Oliveira dos Santos, 44.

According to the statement, the accident occurred when the final piece of the roof's metal structure collapsed while being hoisted by a crane.

"The piece fell onto the eastern section of the stadium, partially hitting a LED facade," the statement said.

Odebrecht and Corinthians said inspectors had found no structural damage to the stadium or soil.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are expected to file a report within 30 days.

Odebrecht last week reported that 94 percent of the stadium's construction had been completed and that it was on target to meet FIFA's December deadline.

But it is understood the stadium is now certain to be late, meaning FIFA must decide whether to give the venue more time or consider taking it off the World Cup schedule.

The Itaquerao is earmarked to host six World Cup matches, including the tournament opener June 12.

Meanwhile, Brazilian legend Ronaldo denied the incident has stained Brazil's image ahead of football's showpiece tournament.

"I don't think it's the right time to be talking about Brazil's image or the need to get the stadium ready," said Ronaldo, a member of the local World Cup organising committee.

"It's the time to support the families of the workers who lost their lives building a dream."

By:IANS