Footage has captured the moment an acrobat plunged to the crown after a circus act went wrong.
The incident happened at the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome when an acrobat fell off a giant spinning ‘highwire’ wheel in the big top.
Following their fall, doctors and first aid teams were called to the scene immediately and a screen was erected around the performer and the show ended early.
In a subsequent statement, it was revealed that while the performer had survived, they had suffered “potentially life-changing injuries”.
Witnesses of the accident said the acrobat fell off the giant wheel and collided with metal scaffolding. Speaking to the BBC some witnesses at first believed the fall was part of the show.
One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was recording it as it [the performance] was so brilliant. He slipped or tripped and fell to the ground and to begin with I thought it was part of the act, so continued recording.
“They often miss on purpose to get the audience sort of riled up and on the edge of their seats, but then we realised something was wrong.”
In a statement soon after the accident, manager and circus ringmaster Jack Jay gave an update about the performer’s condition.
Mr Jay said: “He was fully conscious after the fall and two members of the audience, believed to be an off-duty police officer and a paramedic, came forward to help.
“It looked like mistiming. He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor.”
A spokesperson for the Christmas Spectacular said: “Obviously this sort of event is scary for all involved. We are all wishing a speedy recovery for our fellow cast member. We would like to pass on our thanks to the audience in attendance, who were very understanding and remained calm.”
Norfolk Police released a statement saying the artist was in a stable condition after they were called to the scene at 19.37. They added: “Officers are working with the local authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the incident.”
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance service said: “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 (Wednesday) following reports of a man injured in a fall.”
The acrobat was taken to the James Paget Hospital before being transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
The EDP said that Mr Jay added: “Obviously it was a very distressing and scary situation to happen. But we are pleased to say that the performer is recovering well after being evaluated overnight.
“I cannot thank the audience enough for their understanding and respect during the initial halt and also the minutes after as we needed to clear the building.”
