An international circus performing in Adelaide has been allowed to resume its shows after it was shut down when two performers were injured in separate incidents just days apart.
Circus Rio — which is based at Glenelg's Wigley Reserve — was given several prohibition notices by Safe Work SA on Tuesday and was shut down following the serious injuries of two of its performers.
On Saturday, stunt bike rider Bentang Sejarah, 27, broke his back in three places and suffered serious facial injuries when he struck a pole while airborne during a show.
Sejarah was subcontracted to the circus and was treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Just days earlier, aerial performer Gabby Souza, 28, was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after falling 8.5 metres from a hoop during a routine.
She suffered a broken wrist and two dislocated elbows after she plummeted to the ground in front of a crowd.
In a statement on Tuesday, SafeWork SA said it had conducted a comprehensive safety audit of the circus' operation and nine prohibition notices had been issued.
It said the circus had to rectify non-compliance with the Work Health and Safety legislation related to rigging, winches, electrical equipment and the licensing of high-risk work.
Late on Wednesday, SafeWork SA lifted four of the nine orders late yesterday, allowing last night's show to go ahead.
The circus is still subject to five prohibition orders, but SafeWork SA said it was satisfied the circus met the requirements needed for performances to continue.
In a statement, SafeWork SA said it would continue to work with Circus Rio and the City of Holdfast Bay — the council hosting the circus — to monitor the outstanding issues.
The circus is currently touring Australia for the first time and is due to travel to Bathurst in New South Wales next month.
