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Heart-stopping moment circus performer falls metres in front of crowd

WARNING – CONFRONTING CONTENT: The moment a trapeze artist fell almost nine metres in the middle of a circus performance has been captured on camera by an audience member.

Experienced circus performer Gabrielle Souza, from Brazil, was in the middle of her net-free aerial hoop act on Tuesday evening when she plunged to the stage below in front of a horrified audience during school holidays.

In the footage, audience members can be heard screaming with some debating if the fall was part of her act.

“That was real, wasn’t it?” one person asks.

“Oh s***, that’s real,” another person can be heard saying.

The 28-year-old was rushed from Circus Rio in the beachside suburb of Glenelg to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.

Circusrio performer Gabrielle Souza (left) suffered multiple injuries after falling almost nine metres during her act in Adelaide's Glenelg. On the right is a still of a video showing her fall.
Circus performer Gabrielle Souza (left) fell almost nine metres (right) during her act in Glenelg. Source: 9News/Instagram @gabrisouza90

The performer who the circus describes as “professional and driven” suffered a broken wrist and two dislocated elbows from the impact when she fell 8.5 metres.

A statement from Circus Rio released on their website said Ms Souza was “a very strong artist in her field” and authenticity was of “the utmost importance to her”, which was why she did not use any safety equipment in the routine.

The statement goes on to read Ms Souza was “up and well” in hospital and “her spirits remain high”.

“Gabby would like to extend her thank-you to all of Circusrio’s loyal fans who have sent their wishes via the Circusrio Facebook page, email and direct message,” the statement added.

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