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An accident at a Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Rhode Island left nine acrobats in critical condition Sunday afternoon. Authorities stressed that the injuries were not life-threatening.
Eight acrobats performing an aerial hair-hanging stunt plummeted 25 to 40 feet when a platform collapsed Sunday morning. A dancer on the floor was also hurt.
The accident occurred during an act in which the circus says eight performers hang “like a human chandelier” using their hair.
Sydney Bragg, 14, of North Kingstown, said the collapse happened about 90 minutes into the show. She said the platform began to fall as it neared the rafters of the arena. At first, she said, she thought it was part of the act.
“It just went crashing down,” Bragg said. “Everyone was freaking out. We heard this huge clatter and then we just heard the girls scream.”
She said spotlights were on the performers at the time, but all the lights went out after the fall.
Rosa Viveiros of Seekonk, Mass., said the act was covered by a curtain. Shortly after the curtain was pulled away, she said, the performers fell on top of at least one other performer below, a man who stood up with his face bloodied.
It happened at the circus’ legends performance at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence.
Two of the images were listed in serious condition, while three were listed in good condition.
The names and conditions of three others injured in the accident haven’t been released.
The circus canceled two shows scheduled for Sunday and two more scheduled for Monday.
Agencies/Canadajournal
