Circus Returns to R.I. Year After Hair-Hanging Fall

Eight acrobats plummeted to the ground in May 2014

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is returning to Rhode Island a year after eight acrobats suspended by their hair plummeted 20 feet to the ground before thousands of spectators.

A single metal clip that held them aloft had snapped. The women were badly hurt, some with spinal injuries so severe they could no longer walk.

The circus begins its four-day run Thursday at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, where the accident happened May 4, 2014.

Under a settlement agreement with federal workplace safety regulators, the circus will have all aerial acts reviewed by a registered professional engineer.

A circus spokesman says just one of the women is still with the circus, but she won't be in Rhode Island.

The others have filed papers in preparation for a lawsuit.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us