Warning: Contains content some readers may find distressing
There was total horror last night (13 December) as an acrobat fell from the ‘Giant Wheel of Death’.
A packed family show in Norfolk saw the performer fall at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth.
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Video footage from the accident sees him fall at least 33 feet, according to BBC News.
Witnesses apparently initially thought the fall was part of the Christmas-special performance.
Jack Jay, manager and circus master told the BBC that the fall ‘looked like mistiming’.
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He said: “He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor."
It’s reported that two brothers had been performing on his ‘Giant Wheel of Death’, which sees the two acrobats doing synchronised moves on a rotating piece of equipment high up in the air.
When one fell to the floor, an off-duty police officer and paramedic from the audience stepped in to help.
A statement from Hippodrome Circus reads: “During the 6.30 performance of The Christmas Spectacular last night one of our stunt performers fell from the large performance wheel.
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“The performer remained conscious, but it was clear he had sustained some injuries. So the decision was made for the show to be stopped for the evening and the public exited.
“The artiste in question received immediate medical attention, paramedics then moved him to a medical facility for further evaluation.
“We are under the impression that he is in a stable condition and has been evaluated overnight.”
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Norfolk Police said offers were called at about 7.37pm and the performer was taken by ambulance.
The police force added that he remained in ‘stable condition’.
A spokesperson for the show added: “Obviously this sort of event is scary for all involved, we are all wishing a speedy recovery for our fellow cast member.
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“We would like the pass on our thanks to the audience in attendance who were very understanding and remained calm.”
The East of England Ambulance Service told LADbible: “One ambulance, one rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to St George's Road, Great Yarmouth last night (13) following reports of a man injured in a fall.
"One patient was transported to James Paget Hospital by road ambulance with serious injuries.”
The acrobat’s brother and circus staff accompanied him to the James Paget Hospital. He was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Jess Battison