On July 26, a major accident occurred at an amusement park in Columbus, Ohio. A ride suddenly malfunctioned, killing one person and injuring seven others, three of whom were in serious condition. The injured ranged in age from 18 to 41, and the fire department later confirmed that the fatality was an 18-year-old youth.
From video footage of the scene, one of the hammer pendulums on the ride, known as the "Fireball," suddenly snapped while it was running at high speed, throwing a carload of passengers out of their seats.
Rhonda Burgess was at the ride with her three children, one of whom was even waiting in line to ride the pendulum. Burgess said "at least two people were thrown up into the air, about six meters, and then they landed physically on the concrete."
The chief inspector for the amusement ride safety department said no problems with the equipment had been found during previous inspections. "We check several areas of the equipment and this equipment is now out of service." Three critically injured people were reportedly taken to Ohio State University's Waxena Medical Center.
In addition, the Ohio governor tweeted, "I am saddened by this accident, by the lives lost, and by those who should have been enjoying the ride but were injured. We will send prayers to those in pain." He also said he has ordered a full investigation into the accident; shutting down all rides at the fairground until further safety checks are completed.
It is hoped that the cause will be investigated and rectified soon! Do not let such a tragedy happen again!