A shocking video has shown the moment an acrobat in China fell 10m (33ft) to her death while performing an act with her husband.
The acrobat – identified as 37-year-old Sun Moumou – was performing with her husband in the central Anhui province village of Hougao on Saturday (April 15).
However, Sun and her husband Zhang, also 37, were not wearing harnesses as they were hoisted up into the air by a cable. In the video, Sun is seen standing on her husband’s feet and then grabbing onto his neck as her legs dangle.
Sun was swiftly rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was tragically pronounced dead. Chinese news site What’s On Weibo claimed the couple had been arguing ahead of the accident. Sun allegedly refused to wear a safety line for the show.
Zhang, however, later denied fighting with his wife, stating (via The New York Post): “We were always happy together. There was no fight.” He added that he would not be providing further information about the incident, saying: “As I am in the middle of the process of dealing with all of this, I can’t disclose any specific details at this time.”
The couple shared two children – a son and a daughter – and Sun was reportedly still alive and breathing after the fall. Local reports claim she was holding on tightly to her husband’s hand as she was transported to hospital. What’s On Wiebo detailed how China’s Acrobatic Association responded to the incident, emphasizing that the safety of performers should always be a top priority and that all acrobatic performers should receive adequate safety training.
Netizens on social media were shocked at the lack of safety measures, with one person writing: “Very sad news….but why no safety line….wow she could still be alive !! No shame in wearing a safety line !!! May she rest in peace.”
Credit: Facebook.com
“Why was this performance allowed to go ahead when there were clearly NO safety precautions in place. This was a ridiculously reckless stunt,” another person added.
Credit: Facebook.com
“What grieves me is people pay to watch people risk their lives. Its called entertainment. I hope the company gets what they deserve for putting their performers in harms way,” a further comment read.
Credit: Facebook.com
Our thoughts are with Sun’s family and friends in the wake of this tragedy.
