July 26 (UPI) — At least one man is dead and seven injured after a ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair, according to reports.
The Columbus Fire Division said the victims were thrown from the Fire Ball ride Wednesday night, reported the Columbus Dispatch.
The deceased victim was killed immediately upon impact.
The seven injured were taken to two nearby hospitals. Five were in critical condition and two were in stable condition. One of the injured is a 13-year-old girl, reported WSYX.
CFD Battalion Chief Steve Martin told WCMH that one of the rows on the Fire Ball ride “snapped off,” leading to the accident.
All rides in the State Fair have been closed.
“I am terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio’s fair,” said Ohio Gov. John Kasich. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving and injured. I have ordered a full investigation into this incident and have ordered that all fair rides be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed.”
According to the Amusements of America website, the Fire Ball “has become one of the most popular thrill rides on the AOA Midway” since its debut in 2002. The machine is 40 feet high and spins riders at 13 revolutions per minute.
