A circus currently performing in Cork has been hit by another elephant mishap – days after one animal escaped from his quarters.

A circus worker is in hospital after another of the three elephants at Courtney’s Circus fell on top of him.

The Spaniard was working with the elephant keeper when the accident occurred.

Local reports say he has suffered crush injuries, including broken ribs, and is in a serious condition.

Reports say one elephant hit another and the injured man got a knock as a result.

Eyewitnesses said the man was treated at the scene by paramedics before he was rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

Baby, the elephant who went missing from the circus in Cork last week, is not believed to have involved in the latest mishap.

Animal Rights Campaigners complained about conditions at the circus after Baby broke out of her enclosure and ran 200 metres through the crowded car park of an adjoining retail park.

Animal Rights Action Network protester John Carmody said: “This accident just reinforces what we have been saying all along.

“Emergency legislation needs to be put in place by the Government as a matter of urgency to ban animal act circuses. Or who knows what else will happen.”