DETLING, England, April 25 (UPI) -- A 23-year-old man was fatally injured Monday afternoon while performing a human cannonball stunt in England, police said.
Inspector Tony Ball of the Kent police told the BBC a safety net failed during a performance of Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show. The stuntman was taken to Maidstone hospital where he died.
The Guardian reported an evening show was canceled because of the accident.
The newspaper said the show's Web site stated it has been touring the United Kingdom since 1991.
The human cannonball equipment is mounted on the back of a large truck.
"The stunt performer climbs the ladder and slides down to the deep dark depths of the gigantic barrel," the Web site sates. "Many a seasoned stunt performer cannot cope with the claustrophobic conditions, and those who can are highly respected for their courage and daring.
"Once in position they signal to the crew that they are ready and then remain braced for the explosive propulsion to shoot them out into the fresh air. They then have to turn while in flight and land in the safety net.
"Within a few seconds of landing the performer must get down from the safety net before the poles holding the net in position crash to the ground."
