Charles Rowan failed to get out of the way of a speeding car
South African escape artist Charles Rowan, frequently allowed himself to be strapped in a straitjacket and locked into a box while a car raced towards him at 45 miles per hour. After several successful escape routines, in 1930, Rowan booked himself onto a big show. This show would be his last. In front of a large crowd, he fatally failed to free himself in time.
Princess Tenko was turned into a human pincushion
In 2007, Princess Tenko, a Japanese performer famed for extravagant costumes, faced a dramatic turn during a show in Sabae. Stuffed into a box, she risked becoming a pincushion for ten swords unless she escaped in time. Unfortunately, she didn’t, resulting in broken ribs and a cheekbone. Remarkably, she completed her performance before seeking medical help.
The Great Lafayette died as the audience clapped
In 1911, during a packed show in Edinburgh, tragedy struck the magician known as The Great Lafayette after he performed a trick where he switched places with a live lion. However, a mishap with a stage lamp caused a fire, initially mistaken as part of the act. With fire engulfing the stage and amid deafening applause, Lafayette would lose his life, before the audience was forced to evacuate.
David Blaine almost died attempting a bullet catch
In 2016, during a show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, magician David Blaine had a life-threatening experience. Attempting to catch a fired bullet in his mouth, he held a mouth guard in place with a metal cup. After pulling a string to fire the gun, the trick went awry as the cup slipped, causing Blaine to feel an impact in his throat. Fortunately, it was the mouth guard shattering, leaving Blaine with only minor injuries.
A Polish breakfast host impaled her hand on live TV
Marzena Rogalska, a host on Polish morning television show Question for Breakfast, had an unfortunate incident while interviewing magician Marcin Poloniewicz. He set up four paper bags, one containing a large nail. As she mimicked his hand slam, she screamed in pain as a nail impaled her hand. Though initially considered a joke, she ended up in the hospital but luckily didn’t require stitches.
Criss Angel passed out after hanging out a little too long
In March 2017, magician Criss Angel attempted his classic straitjacket escape during the Mindfreak Live! Vegas show. Only ten minutes in, the trick posed a challenge. Struggling for two minutes, Angel eventually passed out, prompting an abrupt end to the show. Though the audience left aware of the risks of hanging upside-down, magicians often overlook such dangers in pursuit of their craft.
Janaka Basnayake literally dug his own grave
In 2012, Sri Lankan man Janaka Basnayake attempted a deadly stunt: burying himself alive with the help of his family and friends. Desiring the record for the longest time buried alive, however, his attempt proved fatal. After being sealed in a 10-foot-deep trench from 9:30 am to 4 pm, he was found unconscious and taken to the hospital, but tragically it was too late.
Gilbert Genesta drowned attempting to emulate the great Harry Houdini
In 1930, escape artist Gilbert Genesta attempted the milk can escape, a trick he had mastered and performed for over a decade. The trick involved a milk can being filled with water and locked with intricate mechanisms while Genesta contorted inside. Unfortunately, one night something went terribly wrong. Despite performing it flawlessly for ten years, the trick failed, leading to Genesta drowning inside the can.
A contestant tried to impress TV judges by drinking acid
During Vietnam’s Got Talent semi-final in 2015, performer Tran Tan Phat attempted a daring trick known as the ‘Acid test.’ Five shot glasses were filled, with one containing sulfuric acid. As suspense built, he mistakenly drank the acid, causing visible lip swelling. Remaining composed, Phat continued, consuming the other glasses. Post-performance, he was taken to the hospital for treatment of second-degree burns on his lips and mouth.
Hannibal Helmurto tore his esophagus swallowing a ‘neon sword’
In 2012, Hannibal Helmurto, a sword swallower and hypnotist, attempted a daring trick during his Circus of Horror show, swallowing a neon lightbulb labeled as a “neon sword.” Unfortunately, the neon caused his esophagus to tear, resulting in excruciating pain. Realizing the mishap immediately, Helmurto endured an hour of agony before seeking help.
