FATAL ACCIDENT AT A CIRCUS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1023, 28 October 1882, Page 3

FATAL ACCIDENT AT A CIRCUS.

A deplorable accident has occurred at Cannes to a member of Sanger’s circus troupe. A negro, who had replaced the regular lion tamer, who was wounded at Freyjus, was entering the lion’s cage, when his foot slipped and he fell on his face. The lions, with their natural

'nstiuct. rushed upon tho prostrate man and repeatedly tore his flesh a young cme especially holding him with persht.mce, and tearing his thigh. An assistant rushed to his rescue and repelled four of the lions with a pitchfork, but the fifth refused to go till a red hot bar had been thrust down his mouth, when the unfortunate negro, still conscious, dragged himself out of the cage, and was carried o2 bleeding profusely. The spectators meanwhile were paralysed with horror, which was scon changed into a panic when it was perceived that the door was open for at least 30 seconds while the negro was being carried oft’. Tire lions might have sprung on the assembly. A rush was made to the entrance, and the alarm spread outside was only ended by the opportune action of an asassistant who slammed tho door of the cage. The poor negro having reached the hospital, though accompanied bv a doctor, was refused admission because lie was without an order. He was taken back to the circus and again to the hospital, where he was finally admitted. The gross mismanagement cost him his life, for he died from the loss of blood entailed during the double journey. This is the third accident which has occurred in this troupe.