One man is dead and five are in critical condition after a malfunction caused one of the rides at the Ohio State Fair to crash, injuring seven.
The Fire Ball, a huge ride that rotates as it swings 40 feet in the air from one side to the next, swung too low to clear a barrier at the base of the ride on Wednesday evening, July 26. Upon impact several carts seating patrons broke apart from the axle and went flying into the air, thereby ejecting a couple of riders and drawing screams from onlookers. Reports list the victims to range between the ages 13 and 41.
Wednesday marked the fair's opening day. As many as 11 rides remained closed due to the fair's organizers' failure to get them inspected in time. Those in charge of running the annual function blamed recent storms for the slow pace at which inspectors have been able to work to ensure that the rides were up to speed. Rides were shut down after the accident and it remains unclear whether the fair will continue on through August 6 as planned.
Ohio governor John Kasich told the media that he is intent upon ensuring that all corners are covered with a thorough probe into the horrific event. "We will get to the bottom of this. We will investigate it. There will be complete transparency,” the governor said. “Make no mistake about it, it is a very, very sad night for all of us."
