Blackpool Tower evacuated after 'Wheel of Death' plunge leaves acrobat 'rolling around in pain'

Shocked audience members watched on in horror when a circus acrobat fell from the “Wheel of Death” during a performance at Blackpool Tower. Hundreds were evacuated as a “precautionary measure” to allow emergency services access to the incident.

Paramedics attended to the performer after they fell to the ground during the 5pm show on Saturday, April 27. One person claiming to have been at the show said the performer “lost balance and fell, and was seen “rolling around shouting in pain”, reported the Mirror.

According to the Blackpool Tower, the performer fell while performing a rehearsed move but is now “recovering well” after being treated for a minor injury to their wrist. A spokesman told the BBC: “Our medical team responded quickly with our well-established emergency procedures and supported the performer until the emergency services arrived.”

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All 700 audience members, including children, were asked to leave the building. They will be offered complimentary tickets for a future performance. A review of the act will now take place in line with standard safety procedures, Blackpool Tower told the BBC.

The Wheel of Death is a staple of circuses across the world. It involves two or more performers standing on wheels on the end of a long arm that rotates around a central axis. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up

One man wrote on Twitter/X: “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”.

One mum watching the performance with her kids wished the acrobat a “speedy recovery” and praised staff for their “amazing” response. A third person wrote online: “In Blackpool Tower with the kids watching the circus when the bloke who was at the top of the Wheel of Death fell to the ground. Immediately all the audience were escorted out. I hope he is ok.”

In 2022, a representative for Blackpool Shows and Attractions told the Daily Star: “The Wheel Of Death is a very common circus act currently being performed at many UK touring circuses and indeed all over the world. It is a calculated risk and thankfully accidents are very rare.

“That said these fearless performers spend many years training to do these acts and live for the adrenalin and entertainment of the public.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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