Squirrel in spokes floors cycling opera singer

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 pedaling his way to the Helsinki Opera House last month when the squirrel ran into his spokes.

The baritone ended up with a concussion and in a local hospital, rather than at his rehearsals for the Finnish opera “Kaarmeen hetki” (“Hour of the Serpent”), which opens Sept. 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.