Acrobat’s health improving after 5-metre fall during Montreal circus show

MONTREAL – The health of a Montreal circus acrobat who cracked his head in a five-metre fall during a performance was said to be improving Wednesday.

Ambulance workers who responded to the scene Tuesday night said the man, 41, was unconscious after the accident, which occurred during a show that is part of the city’s annual circus festival.

Festival organizers said in a statement Wednesday the man’s injuries were no longer considered life-threatening even though he was listed as having severe cranial trauma.

A provincial health and safety commission said the accident occurred when his head struck a beam during a manoeuvre.

He was not wearing a harness and no safety net was in place, the commission added.

It was not clear what caused the fall.