10 Horrifying Circus Tragedies We’ll Never Forget

For decades, children have been experiencing and enjoying the joys of circus shows; the thrill and cheer of the crowd, the tight rope walking, and the exotic animals prancing about the makeshift arena. Being a circus performer is not as easy as it loosk, though, as it can be a highly dangerous job that ends with loss of life or serious injury in some cases. A successful stunt leads to cheers, an unsuccessful stunt leads to the hospital. Here are ten of the most horrifying circus accidents we will all remember.

Mary the Elephant

On September 12, 1916, Mary the Elephant trampled her handler, Red Elderidge, to death during a circus performance. To rectify the situation, the people gathered to watch as Mary was hung by the neck using an industrial crane.

Dessi Espana

Dessi Espana, a Bulgarian-American who came from a long family of performers, held a Guinness World Record for her performance. Sadly, in 2004, a technical failure ended her career when she fell over 30-feet to her death.

Massarti the Lion-Tamer

In 1872, Massarti the Lion-Tamer, a bold, one-armed circus tamer, was attacked by a grown lion known as Tyrant. Three others joined the fray soon after, mauling the man to death.

St Louis Trapeze Accident

The trapeze is known for being one of the most dangerous circus tricks of all time. In 1872, the St Louis Trapeze Accident occurred, where three men were injured as their trapeze fell to the ground below.

Duluth Lynchings

On June 14, 1920, the James Robinson Circus came to Duluth, Minnesota. It is said that a crew of African-American circus workers raped a young girl after the show. Police arrested the six men, then hanged them until they all died.

Flying Wallendas

The Flying Wallendas were an old, famous circus family known for balancing on tightropes 32-feet in the air without any safety nets below. Unfortunately, their lead faltered one evening, and three fell to the ground. Two died, and one was paralyzed.

Cleveland Circus Fire

Thankfully, during the Cleveland Circus Fire of 1942, not a single human being died. However, it was impossible to save every single animal as they were locked in cages. Some died in the flames, the police had to shoot twenty-six others who were too badly injured to save.

The Great “Wallace Brothers” Circus Train Disaster

In 1903, two Wallace Brothers Circus trains crashed into each other. Thirty workers were killed when the trains collided, and an additional twenty-seven more were injured. Several animals died in the ensuing chaos.

Hagenbeck-Wallace Train Wreck of 1918

The Hagenbeck-Wallace Train Wreck of 1918 was a sad time. A troop train crashed into the circus train as the troop train’s conductor had fallen asleep. 86 people died, while a further 127 more were injured.

Hartford Circus Fire

The Hartford Circus Fire was a massive event in history. The crowd of over seven thousand panicked, trampling each other to escape. 169 people died, and over 700 were injured.