PANIC IN A CIRCUS. Chiarini's Lions at it Again! A Number of People Hurt.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 60, 26 July 1884, Page 3

PANIC IN A CIRCUS. Chiarini's Lions at it Again! A Number of People Hurt.

A panic took place on a recent Saturday night in Chiarini's Circus, which was performing for the last time in Ballarat, at the rear of the Alfred Hall. The circus was packed in every part, particularly in the lower-priced seats. At about eight o'clock a starb was made with the removal of the tigers, lions, elephants, &c, to the railway station. The cage of lions was being drawn round the tent in which the performance was g«ing on, and had just reached the portion of the tent opposite the 2s seats, when tho animals began to roar very loudly. The lions were within a foot or two of where the people in the top seats were sitting, and they became greatlyalarmed. The people evidently laboured under the impression that some of the wild animals had broken loose, and were beneath the seats. Notwithstanding the assurances of the circus proprietor, about 1,000 people rushed from their elevated seats in a frantic manner, and several persons were trampled upon. Tho people were quite uncontrollable for about five minutes, during which period several ladies fainted. A large number rushed from the tent, but when they saw that there was no dahger, they returned. The panic then subsided. In the rush a number of people wore severely bruised. — " Sydney News."