A man has died, and three more people are said to be ‘fighting for their lives’ after an attraction at a funfair in Ohio, US, malfunctioned.
Families had gathered for the grand opening of the Ohio State Fair yesterday, but were soon thrown into chaos when an issue arose on the Fire Ball ride.
According to reports, an arm of the ride was up in the air when it began to swing back and forth. It crashed into another object, with part of the machine – carrying a group of people – flew off and hit the ground.
Seven people were injured in the accident overall, with three people in a critical condition. The identity of the lone victim has not been released.
Footage of the incident began circulating across social media soon after, with disturbing videos and images capturing the tragedy.
This is the ride that malfunctioned. The Fire Ball
— Dre (@TheDreEra) July 27, 2017
Credit (Tom Dodge/The Columbus Dispatch) #OhioStateFair pic.twitter.com/W9VqjxFXKg
A representative from the Ohio State Fair took to Twitter to issue a statement, expressing sadness over the devastating incident.
“Our hearts are heavy for the families of those involved in last night’s tragic accident,” the statement began.
“We have shut down all rides until the state has inspected each and every ride again, and deemed them to be safe. Gates will open at 9am, and other activities will resume as scheduled.”
The shocking news comes just two months after 11-year-old Evha Jannath died at Drayton Manor theme park, after falling out of a rapids-style ride.
Evha, who was on a trip with her school that day, is said to have fallen out when she stood up to swap seats on the Splash Canyon ride.
Our hearts are heavy... pic.twitter.com/Lzc6fUz6WG
— Ohio State Fair (@OhioStateFair) July 27, 2017
She fell into the water, and later died after being rushed to hospital.
This isn’t the first time a US theme park has come under the spotlight for tragic reasons in recent times, either.
Just last year, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab lost his life at a Kansas water park, on a 17-story waterslide.
His tragic death has paved the way for major change in theme park laws in the state, with a local governor going on to introduce more intense regulation.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Ohio State Fair tragedy.
