27-Year-Old Trapeze Artist Dies in ‘Tragic’ Circus Accident After Fall in Front of Audience

A Spanish circus performer tragically died after falling from a trapeze during a performance in Germany over the weekend, multiple reports confirm.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the woman — identified only as Marina B. from Mallorca — was the center of attention at Circus Paul Busch in Bautzen, performing in front of more than 80 spectators, including children, according to Bild.

During the act, she fell approximately 16 feet from the trapeze. The incident, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. local time, left audience members screaming, parents shielding their children’s eyes, and many fleeing the tent, the outlet reported.

Marina was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The crisis response team was immediately deployed to assist both spectators and circus staff,” said local police spokesperson Stefan Heiduck, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

After the evacuation, audience members were provided support helplines.

“The police are currently classifying the incident as a workplace accident,” authorities told the Daily Bulletin. “There is no evidence of third-party fault, and it is unlikely there will be, as acrobats are usually responsible for setting up their own equipment.”

Marina, a former gymnast, began her circus career in 2018 and had performed in circuses across Germany, Spain, Andorra, and Poland, according to the outlet. A recent Instagram post showed her performing the splits while hanging from the trapeze, and another captured her juggling on a tightrope.

Ralf Huppertz, CEO of the Association of German Circus Companies (VdCU), described the circumstances of Marina’s death as “unusual,” noting that she was a “well-trained artist” and that performers are responsible for their own equipment safety.

Police spokesperson Heiduck confirmed that Marina was not using a safety rope at the time of the fall. “She doesn’t have to. She decides for herself whether to use a safety rope. No one else was in the ring during the accident,” he told Bild.

A press officer for Circus Paul Busch stated, “Please understand that our management is currently very busy dealing with this terrible event. We have canceled this year’s tour due to this incident and need time to recover.”

Bautzen’s mayor, Karsten Vogt, also extended condolences. “On behalf of the city, I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident,” he said, per the Daily Bulletin.

Neither the Bautzen Police Department nor the VdCU immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Monday, Sept. 29.