Probe launched after acrobat's fatal fall

Authorities in East China's Anhui province have launched an investigation into a fatal accident during an acrobatics performance in Suzhou on Saturday night, in which a performer fell to her death, according to a statement from the local government on Monday morning.

A female acrobat fell onto the stage during a flying trapeze performance and eventually died from her injuries, Suzhou city's Yongqiao district government information office said on Sunday.

The accident happened at a farm in the district's Haogou township while two acrobats, a couple surnamed Sun and Zhang, were performing, said the Monday statement.

Multiple videos, published on social media and believed to have been taken by the audience, showed that the couple held rings on two cables and were lifted by a crane.

Sun, the victim, suddenly fell after the couple had been lifted to some 10 meters above the stage, reported Chongqing-based news website cqcb.com.

Videos showed a staff member of the performance company involved saying to the audience prior to the show, "We wanted to make the program real, so the acrobats have taken no safety measures".

Hu Jun, an experienced acrobat in Anhui, said to China Daily after watching the videos that he thought the couple were lifted too fast and too high.

Engaged in flying trapeze for decades, he said it is high enough to be performed at 4 to 5 meters above the ground.

"I seldom require a crane for my performance, and if I have to, I will only work with familiar crane operators and professional workers by the side for careful guidance," said Hu.

An agreement signed by the farm's owner and the performing company said it is the latter that is responsible for performance safety, according to media reports.

Future performances by the company involved were immediately suspended, and an investigation by the local police and tourism authorities got underway on Monday, according to the Yongqiao government.

In a statement published on Sunday, the China Acrobats Association said it was saddened and shocked by the accident. It pointed out that as the performance market resumes, more attention should be paid to performance safety and training.

It urged troupes and performance organizers nationwide to guarantee performers' rights and stood against shows that are shoddily choreographed and risk performers' safety and health, adding that the association will follow the investigation closely.