Circus performer hurt; show canceled

A Cirque du Soleil performer fell off his BMX bike during a stunt in the final part of the organization’s “Volta” performance near AT&T Park in San Francisco on Friday, show officials said.

Audience members were stunned and sat in silence when the man, who was not identified, plummeted onto the stage, where he lay motionless, said a witness, Vanessa Sawyer, 45.

“Everyone (in the audience) was waiting for him to get up and limp off, but he didn’t,” Sawyer said. “About eight people in black outfits with ‘EMT’ on them surrounded the biker.”

Soon, more show staff members circled the man, blocking the view to the audience, she said.

After more than five minutes, Cirque’s medical team slid him onto a stretcher and took him offstage.

“Then all the performers came out onstage, waved, and they turned off the lights,” she said.

Steven Ross, a publicist for the “Volta” show, said the man received treatment by the tour’s medical team.

It is unclear whether the performer was transported to a hospital. His condition was unknown Friday night.

“As always in the case of an accident, the artist’s condition will continue to be monitored by the “Volta” medical and coaching teams to determine when he can return to his activities,” Ross said.

The 8 p.m. show was canceled for the “well-being of our artists and crew,” he said.

He said customers who purchased tickets for the show would get refunds.

The incident comes months after another Cirque du Soleil performer died after he plunged to the ground during an aerial stunt in Tampa, Fla., in March.

The show is scheduled for performances through Feb. 3 in San Francisco.