WATCH: Passengers sent flying into the air after amusement park ride malfunctions
[Editor’s note: The video below contains graphic content.]
— JU 🐻🤤 (@obey_jbell) July 27, 2017
Thrill-seekers often flock to amusement parks for their gravity-defying and supposedly safe attractions.
However, a teenager met his demise after one tragic ride malfunction.
Riders of the “Fireball” attraction at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus, United States, were violently thrown off over 50 feet from the ride, after the mechanical carriage went loose during a standard ride swing.
According to the Huffington Post, 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell died on impact after being sent flying into the air, while seven others were severely injured.
Among those wounded was Jarrell’s 19-year-old girlfriend, Keziah Lewis, the report said.
A bystander caught the horrendous accident on film, recording the exact moment several riders fell off the ride.
Ohio State Governor John Kasich called the accident “the worst tragedy in the history of the fair,” and ordered all rides to be shut down until further inspection by authorities.
Gov. Kasich’s statement on tonight’s incident at the Ohio State Fair. pic.twitter.com/PFjfHWMIab
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) July 27, 2017
Meanwhile, the Fire Ball ride, also known as the AfterBurner, swings and spins passengers back and forth at 13 revolutions per minute, while being suspended 40 feet from the ground, according to carnival company Amusements of America.
The ride was a favorite among carnival-goers and often attracted some of the longest lines in the park. Khristian Ibarrola/JB
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