Para-athlete Abdullah Hayayei has died after a discus cage collapsed on him during training ahead of the upcoming World Para-athletics Championships in London.
The incident took place at Newham Leisure Centre on Tuesday, with Hayayei being pronounced dead at the scene after the throwing cage fell on his head.
The 36-year-old was due to represent the United Arab Emirates in the F34 class discus, javelin and shot put, having also performed for his country at last year's Paralympics in Rio.
"I can say the throwing cage collapsed on the athlete's head. We don't have any more information about how that happened, what was the reason, or what the details are," Majid Rashed - president of the Asian Paralympic Committee - told reporters.
IPC vice-president Andrew Parsons added: "Everyone at the IPC and within the Paralympic family is truly devastated by the tragic news of Abdullah's death.
"Together with the London 2017 Organising Committee we will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities to establish the full facts relating to the accident. The health and safety of the para-athletes is the primary concern of everyone at the IPC and we want to know what has led to this terrible tragedy."
A moment of silence will be held in memory of Hayayei during Friday's opening ceremony, while further tributes are also being planned.
Barney Corkhill
