1 dead, several injured after ride malfunction at Ohio State Fair

Ray Downs,
United Press International Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (UPI) — At least one man was killed and seven were injured after a ride malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday, authorities said.

The Columbus Fire Division said the riders were thrown from the Fire Ball ride on Wednesday night, reported the Columbus Dispatch.

The dead man was killed immediately, officials said. Five of the injured were in critical condition and two were stable. One of the injured is a 13-year-old girl, reported WSYX-TV.

Battalion Chief Steve Martin told WCMH-TV that one of the rows on the Fire Ball ride “snapped off.”

All rides at the fair were subsequently 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.

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