Squirrel in spokes floors cycling opera singer

HELSINKI, Sep 4 (Reuters) A squirrel scampered into the bicycle wheel of an unlucky Finnish opera singer, causing him to fall, knock himself out and break his nose just ahead of the world premiere of a new opera.

Esa Ruuttunen was pedalling his way to the Helsinki Opera House last month when the squirrel ran into his spokes.

The singer ended up concussed and in a local hospital, rather than at his rehearsals for the Finnish opera Kaarmeen hetki (Hour of the Serpent), which opens on September 15.

''He is not yet singing in rehearsals, but thinks he will be able to perform at the world premiere,'' Finnish National Opera spokeswoman Heidi Almi told Reuters.

The squirrel died in the accident.

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