Watch horrifying moment human cannonball MISSES safety net in circus stunt gone wrong – and may never walk again
THIS is the horrifying moment a human cannonball misses the safety net in a circus stunt gone wrong.
The performer is now facing lifetime paralysis following the freak accident at the Los Vásquez circus show in Antofagasta, Chile, last Friday night (April 5).
The ‘human cannonball’ – a phrase used for circus artists with this particular job – could be seen posing on the edge of the cylinder before climbing inside.
The ringmaster then asks spectators to wish him “so long” and count down until the cannon fires the man across the big top.
But as the aerial stunt performer soars through the air, he slips through a gap in the safety net.
Audience members gasp in shock as he hits the ground with a loud thud.
Circus staff immediately run over to help the man as he lies motionless in the ring.
The performer was rushed to a local hospital with multiple fractures, according to local media.
His condition is serious and he could end up paralysed and may never walk again, hospital sources say.
Officials were sent to the circus to investigate and they confirmed several irregularities.
Antofagasta Regional Labour Director, Margarita López said: “He was working informally, without a work contract or social security coverage.
“We found the same situation with other circus workers.”
The circus was allowed to continue operating, but with a ban on aerial stunts until the investigation is concluded.
The hospitalised performer’s name is withheld.
Last year, a trapeze artist fell 30ft to her death after her husband failed to catch her in a daring stunt watched by a screaming crowd.
Footage shared online shows the moment Sun Moumou, 37, fell to the hard stage during a show in Suzhou city, China, 12 months ago.
Months before, a circus tamer was mauled by a tiger in front of horrified families during a live show.
Members of the audience in Italy gasped as the beast sunk its teeth into keeper Ivan Orfei.