Circus performer falls from wheel at Blackpool Tower in front of shocked crowds
A circus show at Blackpool Tower had to be called off after an acrobat fell to the ground during an act, looking ‘in serious pain’.
Families watching were swiftly told to leave after the man lost his footing while performing a planned manoeuvre on on the ‘Wheel of Faith’.
He was treated by paramedics for an injury to his wrist but is expected to make a full recovery.
A review of the act will now take place as part of ‘standard procedures’ to ensure it is safe enough to continue.
Bazza Cooke wrote on X: ‘The guy landed right in front of us and came down with a fair bump.
‘He didn’t seem critically ill, but who knows. He was in serious pain. Hope he makes a speedy recovery.’
The user was replying to a man calling himself Nick, who wrote: ‘The bloke who was at top of the wheel of death fell to the ground immediately all audience was escorted out hope he is ok’.
Others also wrote about what they witnessed in yesterday’s 5.30pm show, with user Joey writing: ‘Serious accident at the Blackpool Tower Circus this afternoon. A circus performer fell several feet from the “Wheel of Death” stunt onto the circus floor.
‘Paramedics rushed him to hospital and the circus was evacuated. Praying all is well.’
Meanwhile mum Laura wrote: ‘My little ones 1st time at Blackpool circus but was cut short.
‘I hope the acrobat who fell frm the wheel of death mkes a speedy recovery circus staff wre amazing attending 2 him quickly dismissing people frm the room.’
A Merlin Entertainments spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that a member of the Blackpool Tower Circus team had a minor fall whilst performing a rehearsed manoeuvre.
‘Our medical team responded quickly with our well-established emergency procedures and supported the performer until the Emergency Services arrived.
‘We are pleased to confirm the performer is recovering well and being treated for a minor injury to his wrist.
‘The safety and well-being of our performers is of the highest importance.’
They said the act involving two connected hamster-wheel style contraptions, popularly known as Wheel of Death, is officially renamed Wheel of Faith.
In Boxing Day 1994, performer Neville Campbell, 20, died while performing on the Wheel of Death when he landed on his head.
Guests at the cancelled show yesterday were given free tickets for a future performance.
Circus shows at the iconic venue on England’s North West coast were back on today as usual.
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