A Chinese trapeze artist has died after falling during a performance in Suzhou, Anhui province, on Saturday. The woman, identified only by her surname Sun, plunged onto a hard stage after her husband and partner failed to catch her with his legs during a dangerous splits stunt.
Footage of the incident shows Sun falling from a significant height. She was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to save her life. The couple, who had performed together for many years, often worked without safety belts 'for the sake of looking good', according to local news outlet The Paper. Sun leaves behind two children.
The local Culture and Tourism Department has stated that the performance troupe had not gained sufficient approval to carry out the act. An investigation is underway, and the department says the troupe will be 'dealt with accordingly'.
The incident has sparked outrage on Chinese social media, with users calling for better regulation and safety measures in the acrobatics industry. Some have noted that performances without safety mats or nets are common, and have urged authorities to enforce stricter rules to prevent such tragedies.
