A young gymnast who ran away to join the circus plunged to her death after falling from the so-called "Wheel of Death" during a rehearsal for her first performance.
The tragic accident happened in the city of Magnitogorsk, a major industrial centre in the Chelyabinsk Region of Russia, on Saturday, 17th May.
Victoria Balandina, 22, who apparently just started with the circus was performing on the giant rotating apparatus when she lost her balance and crashed to the ground from more than five metres (16 feet).
The moment of her fall was caught on video and has since been shared widely on social media.
The footage shows the acrobat attempting a somersault as the wheel spins, before slipping and landing head-first in the circus arena.
Emergency workers rushed to help her, but she died from her injuries in the ambulance shortly afterwards.
Victoria Balandina poses in undated photo. She died while performing a stunt at Magnitogorsk circus on May 17, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)
Victoria was part of an acrobatic trio called FOX from her hometown of Chelyabinsk.
Her group's leader, Alesya Mitina, said they had no idea she had gone to Magnitogorsk.
Alesya said: "We only found out yesterday. She didn't tell us anything about going there."
Victoria’s father, Alexey Balandin, confirmed that she had expressed interest in joining a circus and added: "Apparently, without telling anyone, she went to try out for this position."
Alexey said the circus stunt was performed without any safety gear either above or below.
Victoria Balandina poses in undated photo. She died while performing a stunt at Magnitogorsk circus on May 17, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)
He also said that she was not qualified to perform in the circus, saying: "She had no place being there. She was only qualified for sports in sports acrobatics but not a circus performer."
He claimed the height of the fall was more than five metres (16 feet), and said the circus had offered no explanation.
Rosgoscirk, the federal state circus company, confirmed that Victoria was not one of their employees and was not part of any scheduled performance.
They have launched an internal probe, while law enforcement has opened a criminal case.
Acrobat Victoria Balandina loses balance and falls from the 'Wheel of Death' in Magnitogorsk, Russia, May 17, 2025. She died after hitting her head and neck. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Newsflash/NX)
Prosecutors are investigating suspected safety violations leading to death through negligence.
A statement from the Investigative Committee said staff at the Magnitogorsk State Circus failed to provide proper safety equipment during the risky act.
Tributes flooded social media from devastated family and friends.
One relative wrote: "She smiled, gave light and joy to everyone. We did not save you, Vika. I will miss you very much."
The farewell wake for Victoria was held in Chelyabinsk.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)