Oscars workers are injured in accident

Scaffolding along the red carpet for the Academy Awards ceremony has collapsed, injuring five people.

The scaffolding at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was the type commonly used to hold spotlights.

The mangled structure, which had stood 20 feet high, fell just behind seats set up for fans and media to watch celebrities arrive at Sunday's ceremony.

A part also tumbled on to a tent over the red carpet that will be used by celebrities as they enter the auditorium for the awards ceremony.

Inspectors were trying to determine how the scaffolding gave way, said Fire Department spokesman Bob Collis.

The injured were taken to two hospitals. One person was critically injured and another was seriously injured.

A third victim had minor to serious injuries and the remaining two had minor injuries, Mr Collis said.

After the accident, workers resumed moving equipment into the Shrine and stringing cable from the building towards the red carpet.