Acrobat who fell during ‘wheel of death’ stunt is out of danger

The emergency services at the circus ground. Photo: ANP Nieuwsfoto
The emergency services at the circus ground. Photo: ANP Nieuwsfoto

An acrobat who fell to the ground during a performance at a circus in Haarlem is still being assessed by doctors but his life is not thought to be in danger.

‘He needs a lot of painkillers and is being checked out for broken bones and internal damage,’ the circus said on Facebook. The man was working with a second acrobat on a stunt known as the ‘wheel of death’ when he fell at least seven metres to the floor during a somersault.

The accident was witnessed by around 1,000 people, including many children, and the show was halted immediately.

‘At first everyone thought it was part of the act but then it became clear it was a serious accident,’ one eyewitness told the AD. ‘It was a great show but ended in tragedy.’

Circus performances, including shows by guest artists such as magician Hans Klok, will continue as planned, the organisers said on Facebook.

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