Echo, from Cirque du Soleil | An accident forces the interruption of a show

Two Cirque du Soleil acrobats collided before collapsing to the ground on Friday night during a performance of the show Echo in Montreal, forcing the interruption of the performance.

In a video that The Press was able to consult, without however obtaining a copy, we see the two men – from the Ethiopian troop, according to the spectators encountered – attempting an aerobatics. While in full flight, however, they come into contact with each other before collapsing heavily to the ground.

“We have had no information on their state of health. [des acrobates], said Hélène Julien, who attended the show. But one of the artists was not moving, then the other was immobilized when he wanted to get up. The intervention of the rescuers was very quick, according to the people interviewed on the Jacques-Cartier wharf in the Old Port of Montreal, at the exit of the Grand Chapiteau marquee.

“They were taken care of immediately, that was number one,” said a viewer. “The medical team came out very quickly. You see that it is well established, ”noted another.

Intermission, then cancellation

While the rescuers were busy with the injured artists, the spectators were asked to stay in their place. A person in the audience, however, would have passed out, probably the victim of a vagal shock, according to a man who attended the show, but who preferred not to be named.

The performers eventually walked out with the medical team on backboards. Shortly after, an intermission was announced. Less than half an hour later, audiences were informed that due to a situation “out of its control”, Cirque du Soleil was canceling the remaining portion of the performance. “We were told that the show could not continue”, confirms Robert Pitre.

When they left, the spectators were given a notice of cancellation of the show, of which The Press got a copy. “We ask that you accept our most sincere apologies”, can we read in this notice which also lists the various options allowing ticket holders to be reimbursed.

A Cirque du Soleil employee interviewed by The Press claimed that the artists had been taken care of by doctors, without however being able to comment on their state of health.