Acrobat takes terrifying fall during performance at great Yarmouth’s hippodrome circus

Aerial Stunt Goes Awry, Prompting Investigation into Safety Measures

In a heart-stopping incident at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth, a young acrobat suffered a dramatic fall from the “giant wheel of death” apparatus during Wednesday evening’s performance. 

The harrowing incident unfolded before an audience comprised of both adults and children, leaving spectators in shock and prompting immediate intervention from emergency services.

The acrobat, described as being in his 20s, plummeted from a height of at least 10 meters (33 feet) while executing a daring stunt on the iconic wheel. 

Jack Jay, the circus manager and ringmaster, expressed uncertainty about the precise nature of the acrobat’s injuries but indicated a likelihood of broken bones. 

Despite the alarming mishap, he recounted that the performer remained fully conscious after the fall. Quick-thinking members of the audience, identified as an off-duty police officer and a paramedic, rushed forward to provide initial assistance.

“It looked like mistiming. He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor,” explained Mr Jay, shedding light on the potential cause of the accident. 

The show was promptly halted, and emergency services, including the police and ambulance, were summoned to the scene.

Health and safety officials were notified immediately and are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on both the performer’s fall and the safety measures in place for the purpose-built circus apparatus.

The acrobat’s brother, who was his partner in the ill-fated act, accompanied him to James Paget University Hospital along with circus staff. 

As the incident unfolds, concerns about the safety protocols at such entertainment venues have been raised, prompting a broader discussion on the measures in place to protect performers and ensure the well-being of the audience.

Norfolk Constabulary and the East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for official comments, and their insights will likely play a crucial role in understanding the circumstances leading to this tragic accident. 

As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with live performances and the imperative need for stringent safety measures in the world of circus entertainment.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members