Video | One dead, seven hurt, after ride malfunctions at Ohio State Fair and passengers are sent flying
One person was killed and seven injured after an amusement ride malfunctioned on opening day of the Ohio State Fair, the Associated Press reported.
Battalion Chief Steve Martin, a spokesman for the Columbus Fire Division, said the victims were hurled from the Fire Ball ride at 7.20pm local time. One man was killed on impact, with five in critical condition and two remaining in stable condition, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
Ohio Governor John Kasich said in a statement that he ordered a full investigation and that the rides were to be shut down until safety evaluations were completed.
“I am terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio’s fair. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving and injured,” Kasich said.
A bystander told The Columbus Dispatch that he “heard a loud sound of metal cracking then looked to see two men being thrown off the ride, one of them from up high.”
The Ohio Highway Patrol secured the scene while other rides continued on as normal, apparently oblivious to the accident on The Fireball, the Dispatch reported.
“There has been a report of a ride incident. We are investigating and will report information as available,” the Ohio State Fair tweeted.
It was not immediately clear if the fair will be cancelled. The fair was originally slated to run through August 6, according to the fair’s website.
