Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey – Providence 2014

Hazard Type

Mechanical

Hazard Origin

Falling objects

Hazard Consequences

Slipping, Tripping or Falling

Phases

Operation

Injury

5 to 10 – Irreversible Injury
5 to 10 – Reversible Injury

Working Role

Performer

Date: 05 May 2014
Country: USA
City: Providence
Place: 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Venue/Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Center
Show/Event: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Industry: circus

The steel caribiner was part of a rig designed to hoist performers by their hair into the air above the audience, where they would perform acrobatics.
When it snapped, the rig fell to the ground to the confusion and horror of the audience.
The performers were among 11 people hospitalised with injuries related to the accident; many of those injured suffered broken bones, and no spectators were hurt.

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