Blackpool Tower circus performer injured in horror fall from Wheel of Death

A Blackpool Tower spokesperson says performer is ‘recovering well’

The peformer fell from the Wheel of Death during a Blackpool Tower Circus act [file picture from 2022] (AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds of audience members watched in horror as an acrobat fell during part of a circus act called the Wheel of Death in the middle of a show at Blackpool Tower.

Emergency services rushed to help the injured performer while the audience of around 700 people inside was evacuated following the incident on Saturday night.

The performer had been executing a rehearsed move on the apparatus, said a spokesperson for Blackpool Tower, who said they were now “recovering well” after suffering a minor wrist injury.

The spokesperson added: “Our medical team responded quickly with our well-established emergency procedures and supported the performer until the emergency services arrived.”

Circus performances at Blackpool Tower were open as usual on Sunday, while affected guests were provided with complimentary tickets for a future performance.

A review of the act will now take place, the attraction spokesperson added.

People in the audience shared their reactions to what happened on social media.

One person, called Nick, said: “In Blackpool Tower with kids watching circus when the bloke who was at top of the wheel of death fell to the ground immediately all audience was escorted out hope he is ok.”

Another wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Serious accident at the Blackpool Tower Circus this afternoon. A circus performer fell several feet from the wheel of death stunt onto the circus floor. Paramedics rushed him to hospital and the circus was evacuated. Praying all is well.”

The Wheel of Death routine involves two or more performers performing synchronised acrobatic skills on wheels at either end of a long arm that rotates around a central axis.

Were you at the show? Contact alexander.butler@independent.co.uk