Human cannonball dies after stunt
23-year-old performer dies in hospital after accident at Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show at Kent county showground
A man performing a human cannonball act at a stunt show in Kent has died after a safety net failed.
The accident happened at a performance of Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show at the Kent county showground in Detling on Monday afternoon. The 23-year-old stuntman was taken to Maidstone hospital where he died.
Kent police said: "A man taking part in a human cannonball event this afternoon has died after it is believed a safety net failed to engage. His next-of-kin have been informed but he has yet to be formally identified."
A statement on the Scott May website stated: "With our apologies, due to unforeseen circumstances all shows have been cancelled until further notice." An evening show due to start at 7.30pm did not go ahead.
The show has been touring in the UK since 1991, according to the website, and features pyrotechnics, motorbike and monster truck stunts. It has enjoyed a "100% safety record" over its 20 years, it adds.
The human cannonball equipment is built on to the back of a standard 7.5-tonne truck. "The stunt performer climbs the ladder and slides down to the deep dark depths of the gigantic barrel," the website says.
"Many a seasoned stunt performer cannot cope with the claustrophobic conditions, and those who can are highly respected for ther courage and daring.
"Once in position they signal to the crew that they are ready and then remain braced for the explosive propulsion to shoot them out into the fresh air. They then have to turn while in flight and land in the safety net.
"Within a few seconds of landing the performer must get down from the safety net before the poles holding the net in position crash to the ground."
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