1 dead in ride malfunction at Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS, Ohio — At least one person was killed and several others injured when a ride malfunctioned on opening day of the Ohio State Fair, fire officials said.

Some of the victims were thrown from the Fire Ball ride when it malfunctioned Wednesday night, said Columbus Battalion Chief Steve Martin.

In a statement, Republican Gov. John Kasich said he is “terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio’s fair.”

Kasich said he has ordered a full investigation and also ordered that all fair rides be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed.

The fair did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. In a post on its Twitter page it said: “There has been a report of a ride incident. We are investigating and will report information as available.”

The Ohio State Fair runs through August 6.

There has been a report of a ride incident. We are investigating and will report information as available.

— Ohio State Fair (@OhioStateFair) July 26, 2017