Tightrope walkers take a tumble as daring act goes wrong

The audience at the world's largest circus festival in Monte Carlo were left gasping when tightrope walkers fell several metres during a performance.

The incident happened on Sunday during a daring seven-person pyramid high-wire act by a troupe called The Gerlings.

The dramatic episode was captured on video by an audience member, reports Monaco Life.

Footage showed seven acrobats starting their precarious routine across the high wire. They manage a few steps but when an eighth member attempts a handstand on top of the last acrobat he loses balance, sparking disaster.

Several of the acrobats fell five metres to the circus floor, drawing loud gasps from the audience.

Luckily, only one performer was injured, suffering a wrist fracture, and underwent an operation in hospital.

According to The Gerlings' website, the troupe are "a new group of experienced acrobats which will turn any show, fair or occasion to an unforgettable one", and they certainly lived up to it. 

The Monte Carlo International Circus Festival is the world's largest and most prestigious celebration of circus acts in the world.