A 27-year-old acrobat from Spain died after falling from a trapeze during a family-friendly circus performance in Bautzen, Germany.
Deadly accident during afternoon show
A planned enjoyable family afternoon at the circus turned into a tragedy in Bautzen, eastern Germany, when a 27-year-old acrobat fell from a trapeze about five meters high in front of nearly 100 spectators, including many children.
Police spokesperson Stefan Heiduck stated that crisis intervention teams immediately assisted the audience and circus staff.
Circus industry acknowledges inherent risks
Ralf Huppertz, head of the German Circus Entrepreneurs Association (VDCU), called the incident a shocking experience, particularly for child witnesses.
While he couldn’t recall a previous fatal accident, he noted that serious injuries have occurred. Huppertz emphasized that circus performers accept calculated risks, as absolute safety isn’t possible for some acts.
He speculated that the victim, well-trained and muscular, likely suffered an extremely unlucky fall or hit an obstacle.
Police investigate as workplace accident
Initial police reports classify the tragedy as a workplace accident with no evidence of third-party involvement.
Heiduck urged attendees who left the circus tent to contact a city hotline offering psychological support, stressing its importance for children to prevent trauma.
