CAIRO, April 3: A circus in Tanta, Egypt, was thrown into chaos on Tuesday evening when a tiger attacked a worker, leading to the amputation of his arm. The incident, which occurred during a performance on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, caused widespread panic among spectators and was captured on video, quickly going viral.

Following the attack, Tanta Public Prosecution ordered an immediate suspension of circus activities. A specialized committee from the Veterinary Medicine Authority has been tasked with inspecting all circus animals, while investigators review surveillance footage and interview witnesses, including the injured worker and his colleagues.

According to Anousa Kouta, the lion and tiger trainer present at the time, the attack occurred when the worker extended his arm inside the enclosure, prompting the tiger to grab his hand. Despite swift intervention from trainers, the injuries were severe. The victim was rushed to Tanta University Emergency Hospital, where a team of surgeons from multiple specialties performed a four-hour operation. Due to the extent of the damage, doctors were forced to amputate his arm above the elbow.

Kouta confirmed that the tiger responsible for the attack would be removed from performances and sent for retraining in Cairo. She assured the public that no audience members were harmed and that all circus staff were accounted for.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as spectators fled the venue, leading to an immediate halt of the show. The incident echoes a similar attack in Tanta a decade ago when a lion mauled renowned trainer Faten El-Helw.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the latest attack, ensuring safety measures are in place before any potential resumption of circus activities.