9 Critically Injured in Ringling Bros. Circus Accident in Providence, RI

PROVIDENCE, RI - Twenty people were injured, nine critically, when acrobats plunged up to 40 feet to the ground Sunday during a circus performance at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence.

• Also See: Social media captures the tricks and the tragedy.

The accident occurred during the 11 a.m. performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The 3 p.m show Sunday was been canceled.

The Providence Journal is reporting that Ringling’s Legends Tour General Manager Roman Garcia said everyone injured is conscious, but asked that “everybody pray for the girls.” Garcia said the accident happened during a hair-hanging act.

Video of the accident shows a group of acrobats dangling in formation in the center of the performing area when the apparatus appears to give way and sends them plunging to the ground.

• WARNING: Video of the accident is disturbing.

A spokesman for the parent company of Ringling Bros. told WHDH,7-News that eight of the injured acrobats fell 25 to 40 feet.

Sydney Bragg, who witnessed the accident, told WHDH, 7-News the collapse happened about 90 minutes into the show. She told the television station she thought it was part of the act.