1 killed, several injured when ride malfunctions at Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus killed one man and hurt seven others.

Investigators say part of that ride just “snapped off."

The man who died was just 18 years old and a 13-year-old is among the critically injured.

The ride that malfunctioned is called the Fire Ball, a pendulum that swings riders high into the air as it spins.

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The moment those seats snapped off was captured on cellphone video.

Investigators say the riders were at least 20 to 30 feet in the air and many of them landed quite a distance away from the ride.

Fairgoers were deeply troubled by what they saw.

"I just think this is a terrible, terrible thing to happen on the first day,” said Susie Buchanan. “It's really a tragic thing, what can I say except those poor people."

Ohio Governor John Kasich said the ride had been inspected several times, but a lengthy investigation is underway. He ordered all fair rides shut down and an investigation into the incident, which occurred during the opening night of the state fair.

"I am terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio's fair," Kasich said in a statement issued on Twitter after the accident. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving and injured."

Amusements of America operates the rides. Their website doesn't list any upcoming events in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s ride safety program requires rides to be inspected every time they are set up at a new location. There are more than 1,400 certified inspectors in the state.

Cox Media Group