Circus performer falls from 'Wheel of Death' in front of horrified Blackpool Tower crowd

The famous Blackpool Tower Circus in Lancashire, as the attraction celebrates its 125th anniversary on 14th May 2019. The Daily Mirror go behind the scenes to find out what makes the tower Britain's best loved tourist attraction and meets the people who make the magic happen. (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

A circus performer at Blackpool Tower took a terrifying tumble from the 'Wheel of Death' in front of a horrified audience, including children.

The incident occurred during a Saturday afternoon show, with onlookers reporting that one of the two artists on the spinning apparatus fell to the ground.

The accident, which happened just after 5pm, prompted paramedics to rush to the aid of the fallen performer, who was subsequently taken to hospital for urgent care, the Mirror reports.

Following the harrowing event, the circus tent was cleared out, leaving the crowd in shock. Details regarding the performer's health status remain unclear at this time.

Both the Blackpool Tower Circus and the North West Ambulance Service have been approached by the Mirror for comments on the matter. A concerned spectator took to Twitter/X to express his alarm: "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."

Another audience member, a mother attending the show with her children, extended wishes for a "speedy recovery" to the acrobat and commended the staff for their "amazing" handling of the situation. An additional witness shared their experience 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.".

An eyewitness at the incident took to social media, describing how the artist "lost [their] balance and fell", then was observed "rolling around shouting in pain grabbing his shoulder". All spectators at the event were vacated "safely and calmly", they further elaborated.

The Wheel of Death is a regular attraction at circuses around the nation and worldwide. The act consists of a minimum of two artists standing on wheels attached to a long rotating arm that spins around a central pivot.

Decades ago, in 1994, the act caused a stir when an unfortunate accident led to a performer's death at Blackpool Tower Circus. Neville Campbell, a mere 20 years old at the time, met his tragic end after he dropped from the equipment and hit his head.

Fast forward to 2022, another acrobat fell while performing the same number, though with less fatal consequences minor injuries, the Daily Star informs.

In response to the incidents, a representative from Blackpool Shows and Attractions provided their input to the press: "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.