A circus performer was seriously injured after he fell 20ft in front of a shocked audience.
Acrobat Eric Ronald was balancing on aerial silks when the steel cable supporting the ribbons gave way.
Audience members shrieked as he plunged head-first and hit the ground with a thud.
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Local media say he underwent emergency surgery to control internal bleeding on Sunday night (27 Apr).
Circus company Circo Porto Rico said in a statement: “At this time, our performer Eric Ronald is in the ICU under observation.
“We ask everyone to join us in prayer, hoping he responds well and makes a swift recovery.
“Fortunately, his condition is stable, and he is being looked after with great care and attention.”
The cable that snapped during the performance in Russas, Brazil, was brand new, according to reports.
It has since been replaced and the circus is continuing to operate as normal, as reported by Need To Know.
The circus added: “We reaffirm our commitment to the safety of all our professionals and to being transparent with our audience.”
It is not the first time Circo Porto Rico has experienced an accident involving a performer.
In March 2022, a trapeze artist fell from a height of at least three metres (10ft) during a performance in Caucaia.
He missed the safety net and landed on the hard floor.
Medics later confirmed that he had fractured his pelvis.
The circus was later shut down after it was found that it did not have a valid operating permit.
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