Performer’s injury at Lyric Opera prompts investigation

The Lyric Opera of Chicago says it’s cooperating with a federal agency investigating the injury of a fire-blowing stilt walker during a dress rehearsal.

Opera deputy general director Drew Landmesser says an officer from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was at the opera Tuesday. The actor, 24-year-old Wesley Daniel, suffered second-degree burns around his mouth Monday. OSHA spokesman Scott Allen says the agency will interview witnesses, performers and employees. The agency will try to determine whether the crew followed safety regulations and whether there were safety violations.

Witnesses say Daniel swigged flammable liquid and spit it onto a torch. They say a staffer used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Landmesser says the stunt has been cut.

Daniel is expected to be released from the hospital Thursday.