Circus Performers Injured After 'Hair Hang' Apparatus Fails During Show
- 10 years ago
A recent Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance took an unexpected and terrifying twist, leaving spectators in the audience shocked and concerned. Numerous acrobats were taking part in a ‘human chandelier’ stunt when the ‘hair hang’ device that holds them in place somehow failed causing them all to quickly drop roughly 25 to 35 feet to the ground.
A recent Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance took an unexpected and terrifying twist, leaving spectators in the audience shocked and concerned.
Numerous performers were hurt during the show, which took place in Providence Rhode Island on a recent Sunday. Eight of the acrobats were taking part in a ‘human chandelier’ stunt when the ‘hair hang’ device that holds them in place somehow failed causing them all to quickly drop roughly 25 to 35 feet to the ground.
All eight performers were injured along with another circus staffer who had been stationed on the ground. 11 people in total were hospitalized resulting from the accident, although it remains unclear who the remaining two victims are.
Fortunately, none of the injuries are life threatening. A spokesperson for the parent company of the circus, Steve Payne said the failed apparatus or cable that held the performers in place had been used multiples times every week since the show first premièred back in January.
He went on to say that each time the performers arrive at a new venue the equipment is carefully inspected to ensure everything is safe. The circus has launched an investigation into the incident.
The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also looking into what went wrong.
A recent Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance took an unexpected and terrifying twist, leaving spectators in the audience shocked and concerned.
Numerous performers were hurt during the show, which took place in Providence Rhode Island on a recent Sunday. Eight of the acrobats were taking part in a ‘human chandelier’ stunt when the ‘hair hang’ device that holds them in place somehow failed causing them all to quickly drop roughly 25 to 35 feet to the ground.
All eight performers were injured along with another circus staffer who had been stationed on the ground. 11 people in total were hospitalized resulting from the accident, although it remains unclear who the remaining two victims are.
Fortunately, none of the injuries are life threatening. A spokesperson for the parent company of the circus, Steve Payne said the failed apparatus or cable that held the performers in place had been used multiples times every week since the show first premièred back in January.
He went on to say that each time the performers arrive at a new venue the equipment is carefully inspected to ensure everything is safe. The circus has launched an investigation into the incident.
The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also looking into what went wrong.