A 27-year-old Spanish circus performer died on Saturday after falling approximately five meters from her trapeze during a performance at Circus Paul Busch in Bautzen, Germany. Police spokesperson Stefan Heiduck confirmed the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene despite immediate medical response. The tragic incident occurred during an afternoon show attended by approximately 100 spectators, many of whom were families with children.
Emergency services rushed to the circus tent following the accident, but were unable to save the artist's life. Numerous audience members left the venue before rescue services arrived, according to police accounts. A crisis intervention team was immediately deployed to provide psychological support to both spectators and circus staff, with authorities establishing dedicated helplines for witnesses needing assistance.
Initial police investigations indicate the incident is being treated as an occupational accident, with no current evidence suggesting third-party fault. Authorities noted that circus performers typically bear responsibility for setting up their own equipment. The circus had given its first performance on Friday and had additional shows scheduled, but police now expect the company to dismantle its tent following the fatal incident.
Ralf Huppertz, chairman of the Association of German Circus Companies, described the event as a tragic accident, noting that while he couldn't recall a similar fatal artist fall, serious injuries do occur in the profession. He emphasized that performers accept calculated risks inherent to their acts, acknowledging that complete safety cannot be guaranteed in certain performances. Bautzen's mayor expressed shock and extended condolences to the victim's family and all affected by the tragedy.