1 dead in ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair

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By BNO NEWS

One person has been killed and others are critically injured after a pendulum ride malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair, causing people to fall to the ground. All rides at the fair have been closed pending safety checks.

The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday when people were on the “Fireball” ride at the state fair in Columbus. At one point during the ride, one arm of the ride broke off, causing people to fall to the ground.

The Columbus Fire Department confirmed that one person had been killed and seven others were taken to area hospitals, including five people who were critically injured. Two others were said to be in a stable condition.

It was not immediately known what may have caused the deadly accident. The Ohio Department of Agriculture had previously reported that its amusement ride inspectors had to work long hours this week because of delays created by recent rain and flash flooding.

As a result of the accident, Ohio Governor John Kasich has ordered that all fair rides be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed. “I am terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio’s fair,” he said.

The accident came on the first day of the state fair, which features 72 rides.

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