The fire broke out inside a circus tent in Aldenhoven, Germany, on Thursday morning, where over 100 children were rehearsing for a performance – 14 have been confirmed as injured
A huge blaze has torn through a circus tent where hundreds of children were rehearsing for a performance.
A total of 14 children have been confirmed as injured so far after the terrifying fire broke out in Aldenhoven, Germany this morning. Firefighters raced to the scene of the burning tent, where approximately 113 children were inside preparing performances and rehearsing various plays.
A further four people were left needing medical treatment, including a kindergarten teacher who was examined and treated by an emergency doctor. Two children and a man who was performing a stunt involving fire were taken to hospital. The artist suffered second-degree burns. It’s not yet known exactly how the blaze began.
According to local news outlet Tag24, the children were rehearsing at Circus Lollipop, which has been controversial in the past. They report the operator is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence for aggravated assault after teaming up with three employees to attack two others with a baseball bat.
The circus’ Facebook page reads: “We are a children’s participatory circus and offer projects for primary schools and holiday activities.” Circus Lollipop’s website, which features images of children peforming various fire stunts, says: “Our task is especially to give children self-confidence and strength and to make their eyes shine, because with us the children become the big stars of the ring.” It adds that training and dress rehearsals take place at the site from Tuesday until Friday.
On of the schedules reads: “No one should overestimate themselves or be afraid of performing in the ring. Therefore, Lollipop first presented the children with excerpts from the program before the students could choose which circus discipline they wanted to try out. After a short break, we all meet again in the ring and it’s time to decide. At the end of the first day, all the performers know which circus act they’ll be taking part in.
“Whether as a magician, juggler, acrobat, or fire-eater, everyone finds their place.”
In August last year, at least 23 people were injured in a devastating ferris wheel fire at a music festival near Leipzig, eastern Germany. The blaze broke out in one gondola at Highfield Festival in Stormthaler before spreading to a second on the night of August 17, police said. Four festivalgoers suffered serious burns while another was left with severe injuries from a fall. First responders and at least four police officers who arrived on scene had to be examined in hospital for possible smoke inhalation.
“Those affected are receiving treatment and are doing well considering the circumstances,” a statement from the festival said. It added: “We are in close coordination with the fire brigade, the police and the rescue and medical services.”