Three people have been killed in a partial collapse at the stadium due to host the World Cup opener in Brazil next year.

Part of the grandstand was destroyed when a metal structure buckled at the top of the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo.

Local media reported that the accident was caused by a crane collapse.

The collapse could delay the delivery of the stadium in Sao Paulo by the December FIFA deadline.

The stadium was 94% complete.

A statement from the stadium owner, Sport Club Corinthians, said "The board of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista hereby deeply regret the accident earlier in Corinthians Arena.

"No other information at this time".

The stadium - officially called Arena Corinthians, but known locally as Itaquerao - is being built by Brazilian industrial conglomerate Odebrecht SA.

The venue is due to host the World Cup opener, and five other matches.

Some construction sites, such as a new terminal at Sao Paulo's international airport, are being built around the clock seven days a week to try to finish them before the Cup.