Horror as Blackpool Tower circus performer plunges from ‘Wheel of Death’: Stuntman left ‘writhing on the floor in pain’ after trick goes wrong – as it dawned on shocked families it wasn’t part of the act
Hundreds of audience members watched on in shock horror as a circus performer plunged from the ‘Wheel of Death’ at Blackpool Tower.
The crowd was evacuated on Saturday as emergency services rushed to the scene.
One of two performers fell from the apparatus while carrying out the dangerous stunt which involves a rotating beam.
A Blackpool Tower spokesperson told MailOnline that the performer was ‘recovering well’ after being treated for a ‘minor injury to their wrist’ during the rehearsed manoeuvre.
All 700 audience members were escorted from the building immediately following the incident and have received complimentary tickets for a future performance.
A review of the act will take place as standard safety procedures, Blackpool Tower confirmed.
An audience member at Blackpool Tower said the performer at the top of the Wheel fell to the ground while performing yesterday
An aerial view of Blackpool Tower and the promenade at night on April 17, 2024
One audience member, Bazza Cooke wrote on ‘X’: ‘The guy landed right in front of us and came down with a fair bump.
‘He didn’t seem critically ill, but who knows. He was in serious pain. Hope he makes a speedy recovery.’
A spokesperson for Blackpool Tower said: ‘Our medical team responded quickly with our well-established emergency procedures and supported the performer until the Emergency Services arrived.
‘We are pleased to confirm the performer is recovering well and being treated for a minor injury to his wrist.
‘The safety and well-being of our performers is of the highest importance.’
The ‘Wheel of Death’ act has become a staple of the circus world. Performers undertake balancing tricks on the apparatus and run around on either side to make it rotate.
The act fell out of favour for a time following a series of fatal accidents, until it was reintroduced in the 1970s under the name ‘Wheel of Death’.
In 1994, circus performer Neville Campbell fatally slipped during a performance at Blackpool Tower in front of 400 audience members. The 20-year-old fell to the ground and landed on his head during the aerial act.
North West Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment about the incident on Saturday.
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