Circus performer 'fell to her death' after aerial stunt goes wrong in front of crowd

A circus acrobat tragically plummeted to her death following an accident in front of a shocked audience, including horrified families.

Performer Marina B died after performing the iconic aerial trapeze stunt at a circus in Bautzen, east Germany. Over 80 spectators watched in terror as the woman plunged to the ground.

Screams echoed through the family show at the Paul Busch Circus as police and emergency services hurried to the scene. A note displayed on the ticket booth at the circus on Sunday read: "Due to a bereavement, the circus will be closed."

Parents shielded their children's eyes inside the tent following the horrifying fall during the Spanish acrobat's solo performance. She died instantly, police confirmed.

Marina B, originally from Mallorca and a global traveller with the circus, took great pride in her profession. Her poignant final Instagram post was a picture of herself mid-flight.

She captioned the post: "Up here, I work best."

She had previously stated: "For me, every show is an opportunity to share my passion for what I do. I believe that art has the power to create unforgettable moments."

The Paul Busch Circus has yet to issue a statement following the tragic incident.

"Trained experts from the crisis intervention are on hand to suppose those who needed it. The team was immediately deployed and cared for the guests and other circus employees," said police spokesman Stefan Heiduck.

Mayor Karten Vogt voiced his sorrow over the incident, telling MDR: "The accident has deeply affected us. On behalf of the city, I express my sincere condolences to the relatives and bereaved. Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by this terrible accident."

Ralf Huppertz, the head of Germany's circus association, told German newspaper Bild: "It's unusual for a well-trained artist like Marina to not survive a fall from just five meters. Perhaps she got dizzy on the trapeze."