Royal Swedish Opera Cancels Performances After Workplace Accident

A 55-year-old stage technician has died after falling several meters from an indoor balcony

A stage technician has tragically passed away in a work accident at the Stolkhom-based Royal Swedish Opera — after falling around 10 meters while completing work on the interior of the opera house.

The unnamed man was immediately transported via helicopter to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. The cause of the fall is unknown.

The scene of the accident is currently being investigated by the police and the Work Environment Agency. 

Though the case is being viewed by police as a suspected work environment violation, the opera company currently sees no connection between the accident and the need for renovation of the Opera House, as reported in VIA. 

The Royal Swedish Opera has since canceled all performances until September 27, 2023, and announced that all ticket holders to the canceled concerts will be notified. 

“It is terrible. We are all in deep shock,” said the opera’s CEO Fredrik Lindgren. “He has worked here for a long time — a highly valued colleague, and skilled.

“We will gather in different groups, both small and large, and talk about what happened,” the opera’s press officer Jenny Mattsson told Arbetet. “The staff is also offered crisis support.”

Our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.