Probe into circus collapse that injured acrobats

Authorities are trying to determine what caused a support frame to collapse yesterday during an aerial hair-hanging stunt as part of a circus performance in Rhode Island, sending eight acrobats crashing to the ground and onto a dancer below.

At least three remained in critical condition yesterday morning, hospital officials said.

The accident occurred during the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Legends show as part of an act in which the circus says eight performers hang “like a human chandelier” using their hair.