PROVIDENCE, RI — Although an OSHA investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports from safety investigators pointed to the failure of a five-inch steel carabiner in the circus accident that seriously injured nine at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center here May 4. Eight of the nine female performers were injured after falling from a 30-foot height to the floor, the ninth was on the ground when the rigging for the “hair hang” apparatus used for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends tour suddenly failed.
The carabiner was rated for use with a 10,000-pound load. The combined weight of the performers and apparatus was reportedly close to 1,500. Even though the load was well within the carabiner’s strength rating, some observers have pointed to the lack of redundancy in the rigging setup as a critical shortcoming.
Providence safety official Steven Pare said the rigging for the hair hang stunt is done by circus workers, not local contractors. He added that the failure of the carabiner appears to be accidental, with no apparent criminal intent.
Although two of the nine hospitalized workers remained in critical condition three days after the accident, none of the injuries were described as life-threatening. Two were in serious condition, two more in good condition, and one performer has been released from the hospital.
While Feld Entertainment canceled the other circus performances set for its Providence stop, the circus resumed May 8 in Hartford, CT after a tribute to the injured performers by the show’s ringmaster.
Feld Entertainment also issued an open letter to thank emergency responders and the people of Providence for their care and support, pledging to return to present shows in the city for many years to come.
For more details, go to http://www.fohonline.com/news/10429
