Image source Wikimedia
Fire chief Steve Martin told local media outlets that victims were thrown from the “fireball” spinning pendulum ride.
Ohio Governor John Kasich confirmed at least one death, and said he had ordered all fair rides shut until safety inspections were carried out.
The governor also said a full investigation would be carried out.
The fireball ride swings from side to side while simultaneously spinning passengers in circles at high speed. It is known by the name “afterburner” in European markets.
Speaking to reporters, a doctor treating some victims said: “Passengers were ejected at high speed with high energy, many feet – at least 20 or 30, if not more – into the air, and then crashed at a significant distance from the ride.”
He said the speed of the impact could be similar to a vehicle crash.
A video circulating online appeared to show one passenger carriage breaking loose near the bottom of its pendulum swing, tossing passengers into the air as it rose again.
The video has not been independently verified.
The Ohio State Fair confirmed on Twitter that there was “a report of a ride incident” but provided no further details.
Local NBC affiliate WCMH reported that one of the injured is a 13-year-old child. Multiple local news outlets have said the deceased is an 18-year-old.
The accident took place on July 26, the opening day of the fair.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that safety inspections of the rides had taken place earlier in the week.
Chief inspector Mike Vartorella said: “My grandchildren ride this equipment… our guys do not rush through this stuff. We look at it, we take care of it, we pretend it’s our own.”
Mike Vartorella said the ride was inspected “three or four times” in the past two days by both his own inspectors and a “third party”.
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…
Misleading allegations, rumours and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in…
At least 158 people have died in Spain's worst flooding disaster in generations. On October…
Google has been fined two undecillion (a two followed by 36 zeroes) roubles by a…
Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, promising enhanced comfort, increased property value,…
The US presidential candidates continued to campaign across key swing states on October 20. Footage…
