Newly Enlisted Marine Killed In Ride Malfunction At Ohio State Fair
COLUMBUS, Ohio (KDKA/AP) - A newly enlisted Marine died when a thrill ride broke apart at the Ohio State Fair.
The State Highway Patrol says seven others were injured Wednesday when the Fire Ball ride malfunctioned and sent riders flying into the air.
The patrol identified the man who was killed as Tyler Jarrell, 18, of Columbus. Jarrell had recently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
The others injured range in age from 14 to 42.
Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center says two of the patients remain in critical condition and one other is in serious condition and has had multiple surgeries.
The medical center has released this statement on behalf of the families:
"We want to thank the community for its outpouring of concern for our loved ones who are being treated at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. We appreciate all of your prayers, and we are keeping those who were injured and died in our prayers as well. As we focus our attention on the long healing process, we are asking media and the community to respect our privacy during this very difficult time. We are declining media requests for interviews at this time. Thank you."
A video shows the ride's large arm in motion above its platform when a crashing sound is heard and a four-passenger carriage on the arm breaks apart. Riders can be seen flying into the air.
The fair is open again Thursday, but all of its amusement rides remain closed.
Gov. John Kasich says all the rides will be closed until they are inspected and deemed safe.
Ohio records show that inspections were up to date and a state permit had just been issued for the ride.
The Department of Agriculture records provided Thursday to The Associated Press show passing marks on inspections of about three dozen items including cracks, brakes, proper assembly and installation of the Fire Ball ride.
The operating company, Amusements of America, submitted records of regular inspections and maintenance performed, as well as ride testing by an outside company.
Ohio completed its own inspections and granted a ride permit Wednesday for $150.
The ride's manufacturer is ordering similar rides to be shut down around the world.
Dutch manufacturer KMG said Thursday that it's telling operators to cease operations until it can investigate and learn more about what caused the malfunction.
The company says there are 43 such rides around the world, including 11 in the United States. The order doesn't impact the company's other rides.
It says the accident Wednesday evening was the first such serious malfunction on one of the rides.
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(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
