At least 3 critically hurt in US circus accident

An injured female performer is lifted onto a stretcher after a platform collapsed during an aerial hair-hanging stunt at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Sunday, May 4, 2014, in Providence, R.I. At least nine performers were seriously injured in the fall, including a dancer below, while an unknown number of others suffered minor injuries. AP/Providence Journal, Bob Breidenbach

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — At least three performers remain in critical condition following a circus accident in the U.S.

Authorities are trying to determine what caused a support frame to collapse Sunday during the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey “Legends” show at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, capital of Rhode Island state.

The accident occurred during an act in which the circus says eight performers hang “like a human chandelier” using their hair.

Rhode Island Hospital says performers Dayana Costa, Julissa Segrera and Stefany Neves were in critical condition Monday morning. Viktoriya Medeiros and Viktorila Liakhova were listed in serious condition, while Samantha Pitard, Svitlana Balanicheva and Widny Nevas were listed in good condition.

The names and conditions of three others injured in the accident have not been released.