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A circus performer was taken to hospital with potential spinal injuries after she fell from a height during a show.
Shocked crowds watched on as the young trapeze artist was treated at Santus Circus at Barton's Point Coastal Park in Sheerness at about 8.15pm last night.
Santus Circus trapeze artiste in the Big Top last Sunday. Video: John Nurden
The performer fell from more than 16ft in the air and emergency services rushed to the scene.
The accident happened during the second show of the night following an earlier performance at 5.30pm.
An ambulance service spokesman said: "We were called at approximately 8.15pm yesterday to reports of a fall from a height of approximately five metres.
"Ambulance crews attended and the female patient was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital with injuries including potential spinal injuries."
Police said officers were called by the South East Coast Ambulance Service at 8.22pm.
A spokesman added: "Officers attended to provide assistance while the incident was dealt with. The injured woman was taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening.
"The local authority has been made aware of the incident and will investigate accordingly."
One woman who witnessed the incident said on social media that it was "horrible to watch" and that she was "praying" the acrobat was OK.
Another said: "So sad, we was there, first time ever we went. Hope she has a speedy recovery. Also well done to the nurses in the audience and ambulance who got there very quickly."
The trapeze artist, Megan Christian, has since replied to well wishers saying: "Thank you for everyone’s well wishes and I’m sorry for those that came tonight and had to witness it.
"I hope it doesn’t deter anyone from coming to watch our great show!
"And as for me I’ll be back and better than ever."
The accident comes soon after the circus boss, Roger Santus, who spent seven months in a coma, returned in the Big Top despite being unable to walk.
The 63-year-old was hit by a car after falling off his push-bike last year while the circus was marooned in a field in Sittingbourne during a Covid lockdown and unable to travel.
The dad and grandfather proved the show must go on and has taught himself to talk again. He is also playing the drums twice a night for Santus Circus Le Cirque De France at Sheerness.
A Santus Circus spokesman said: "The young lady is apparently in London's King's College Hospital now and they are concerned about her spine.
"She's having very good care and the emergency services responded very well, as they always do.
"We were told she was able to move her feet when with the medics, so we are very hopeful that it's not too bad and she makes a full and quick recovery."
He added: "It seems to be that it was an error of judgement on her part, and it was an injury caused by falling from height.
"We are very concerned but we want to thank the audience members who were there and the members of the public for their concern as well. As soon as we have any update, we will be sure to let everyone know."
