In recent days, at a circus in Xiamen, Fujian Province, a performance of “aerial ballet” went awry when the ropes broke, causing three acrobats to fall from a great height. Sadly, one person died and two others were injured.
On May 3rd, the topic of “Xiamen acrobat fell to death during performance” appeared on mainland China’s social media platforms. Reports online indicated that on April 26th, an acrobat at the Lingling International Circus in Xiamen fell to her death while performing “aerial ballet”.
A circulated video showed five performers hanging upside down in the air during the act, when suddenly the ropes snapped, causing three of them to plummet to the ground while the other two remained suspended in mid-air.
On May 3rd, “Red Star News” reported that several local authorities confirmed the incident. An official from the Emergency Management Bureau of Jimei District in Xiamen stated that one person died in the accident. Lingling Performing Arts Company in Xiamen mentioned that the situation is currently being handled.
Staff from the Lingling International Circus in Xiamen told “Extreme News” that the “aerial ballet” act, although not long in duration, has been temporarily suspended.
The police from Xinglin Police Station said that the performers fell from a height of 3 meters, with one fatality who has already been taken to the funeral home.
Netizens expressed their shock and sorrow, with comments such as, “It’s terrifying and dreadful”, “Acrobats really have a tough job”, “Performances without safety measures should be prohibited”, “Watching this is truly heartbreaking, they are just trying to make a living. Now, are we living to eat, or eating to live? I can’t tell anymore”, “After careful observation, I noticed that it was the rope tied to the foot that broke, due to inadequate inspection of the props before the performance. May the deceased rest in peace.”
Earlier in February, a similar tragedy occurred in Hangzhou during a high-altitude acrobatics performance, where an acrobat fell to her death.