Crime & Safety
2 Acrobats Possibly Paralyzed in Horrifying Ringling Bros. Mishap in RI
Nine performers were hurt during a performance at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence Sunday.
Rhode Island Hospital officials said two acrobats hurt in a horrifying mishap at a Ringling Bros. performance in Providence Sunday could be paralyzed.
The two patients suffered serious spinal fractures and could not move their legs when they were transported to the hospital, hospital officials said during a news conference Wednesday morning.
The acrobats were injured while performing a "human chandelier" stunt at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The eight performers hung by their hair from a suspended apparatus. Authorities said a clamp snapped and sent the women plummeting to the ground from as high as 40 feet.
All eight acrobats were injured. A performer on the ground was also hurt. Two have been discharged from the hospital. The rest are expected to survive.
Four acrobats remained in serious condition Wednesday, officials said. Their injuries included broken bones, fractures, and lacerations. The most seriously injured acrobat suffered a spinal fracture, abdominal injury, and lacerated liver.
Hospital officials said it could take up to a year to determine the prognosis of the two acrobats who suffered spinal fractures. They said their youth and high fitness level will help their recoveries.
Rhode Island Hospital President Tim Babineau said the acrobats are "truly inspirational."
Each has shown "courage, a positive attitude, and the strong desire to get better quickly," he said.
All eight acrobats were injured. A performer on the ground was also hurt. Two have been discharged from the hospital. The rest are expected to survive.
Four acrobats remained in serious condition Wednesday, officials said. Their injuries included broken bones, fractures, and lacerations. The most seriously injured acrobat suffered a spinal fracture, abdominal injury, and lacerated liver.
Hospital officials said it could take up to a year to determine the prognosis of the two acrobats who suffered spinal fractures. They said their youth and high fitness level will help their recoveries.
Rhode Island Hospital President Tim Babineau said the acrobats are "truly inspirational."
Each has shown "courage, a positive attitude, and the strong desire to get better quickly," he said.
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