Spectators sprayed with gas at circus

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Circus officials are investigating why several audience members were sprayed with gasoline during a weekend show at Virginia's Richmond Coliseum.

Crystal Drake, a representative for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, confirmed to the (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot that some spectators were doused with spilled gasoline from a motorcycle in a high-wire act at Saturday afternoon's show.

Drake said nobody was hurt during the incident, but those affected were checked out, given eyewash treatment as a precaution and offered special seating for the remainder of the show.

Circus officials are still investigating the cause of the mishap, Drake told the Virginian-Pilot.