Madonna comforts stage worker's widow

MADONNA has flown to France to comfort the widow of one of the men killed when her stage collapsed on them.

Dressed in black with a crucifix round her neck, the Material Girl arrived in Marseilles to meet Mrs Criscenzo, whose husband Charles, 53, lost his life.

Charles Prow, a 23-year-old man from Leeds was also killed last Thursday as they constructed a stage for the star in Marseilles.

The star embraced Mrs Criszenzo and handed her a bouquet of white lilies, before making
bedside visits to the eight workers remaining in hospital.

Her sell out concert in the French city was cancelled following Thursday's tragedy.

Madonna, who is in the middle of her Sticky and Sweet world tour, 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."

French prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation following claims that one of the cranes being used to lift the giant structure 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.'

Madonna has added her support to the enquiry, and a spokesman for the 60,000 seater Velodrome Stadium, where the concert had been due to take place, said: "She wants to make a positive gesture.

"Madonna won't be performing, but will be showing solidarity with the victims' families. She has been hugely moved by what happened, and feels very personally involved.'