Great Yarmouth circus: Horror as Hippodrome acrobat falls 33ft from 'giant wheel of death' suffering
AN acrobat plunged more than 30ft to the ground from a "highwire" spinning wheel in the big top when a circus act went wrong last night.
The man, who was performing at the Christmas Spectacular show at Great Yarmouth Hippodrome, is believed to have suffered injuries to his arm, shoulder and leg.
Doctors and first-aid teams were called and a screen was put up around the acrobat as the audience was told the Christmas show was ending early.
The man, aged in his 20s, is thought to have remained conscious throughout the ordeal.
He was evaluated overnight and is believed to be in a stable condition.
The incident happened during the 6.30pm performance of the Christmas Spectacular show at the Hippodrome in the Norfolk seaside town.
Witnesses said the performer fell off a "giant wheel of death" before colliding with metal scaffolding and smashing into the ground.
The acrobat fell while riding the "giant wheel of death" which spins and rotates high above the circus ring.
It's feared he plunged at least 33ft (10 metres).
Privacy screens were put up as an off-duty police officer and a paramedic in the audience ran to help.
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The acrobat's partner in the act was his brother, who accompanied him to James Paget University Hospital along with circus staff.
The circus manager said he was not sure what the nature of his injuries were but understood it to be "broken bones" though their severity is not known.
Jack Jay, who is also the ringmaster, 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 miss-timing. He went to jump through one of the wheels and slipped, landing on the floor."
The show, called the Christmas Spectacular, was stopped for the evening and the audience was asked to leave the venue.
No other performers or members of the public were hurt.
The venue said it is "unlikely" the acrobat will be able to return to the show this season but is "hopeful" he will perform again after some recovery time.
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A spokesman 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."
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