Dallas

Toddler Hospitalized After Falling Over Railing at American Airlines Center

A toddler is in the hospital after tumbling over a railing at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Wednesday night during a performance by the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Officials at the arena said the 2-year-old girl fell from the 200 level as the family got up from their seats during intermission.

Paramedics with Dallas Fire-Rescue were at the arena and were able to provide immediate emergency treatment to the child before she was transported to Children's Medical Center. Her injuries have not been released to the public, but she remains in critical condition.

The child's family released a statement Thursday afternoon through Children's Medical Center:

"We want everyone to know our child is doing well and on the mend, although still being cared for in the ICU. We appreciate the actions of the first responders, both good Samaritans and professionals, who came to our family's aide. We also thank all those who are concerned and have reached out by thought and prayer. We request that everyone please have respect for our privacy at this time."

Officials have provided no further additional information on how or how far the child fell.

David Brown, general manager of the American Airlines Center, released the following statement after the fall:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with a two year old child who was injured in a fall during a performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at American Airlines Center Wednesday evening.  The child's family was leaving their seats on the front row of the 200 level just before intermission when the child fell to the Plaza Level below. Dallas Fire Rescue officers who work at the facility rushed to the child and provided immediate emergency care.  She was transported by ambulance to nearby Children's Medical Center."

Officials with American Airlines Center told NBC 5 Thursday morning that something like this has never happened in the arena and that they do not plan to make any safety changes in response to the accident.

Thursday afternoon, they released a revised statement to include the following few sentences:

"Right now our focus is on the injured child and her family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we are doing what we can to help to the family.  We are also reviewing the circumstances of the accident to determine what additional measures may be necessary to insure the safety of our guests."

The circus resumed their performance after intermission Wednesday night.  Other performances scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday will go on as planned.

Falls from stands have resulted in serious injuries and even deaths in recent years.  In 2010, firefighter Tyler Morris was hospitalized after falling 30 feet while trying to catch a foul ball during a Texas Rangers game.  Morris suffered a head injury and a sprained ankle in the fall, but luckily no internal injuries.

In 2011, Brownwood firefighter Lt. Shannon Stone died after a 20-foot fall while reaching for a ball tossed into the stands by Josh Hamilton.

NBC 5's Johnny Archer contributed to this report.

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