Tragedy At The Ohio State Fair
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35615)
July 27, 2017 4:57pm CST
An 18 year-old was tragically killed and 7 others were injured today, when a thrill ride known as the "Fire Ball" broke apart during its operation, while people were aboard. The 18 year-old, who recently graduated high school, had enlisted in the marines and was scheduled to begin Basic Training in 2018.
A cause has yet to be determined for this horrific accident, but a full investigation of all the amusement rides is being conducted, and the rides will remain shut down until further notice. Governor Kasich has called this ride malfunction a "nightmare" upon ordering the closure.
This fair is run every summer and is a tremendous attraction for the Columbus, Ohio area. I attended Ohio State University myself, and have been to the fair, so this was not only shocking but upsetting as well. 
I always have in the back of my mind that an apparatus like a ferris wheel or similar ride might break apart. You just trust there will not be a malfunction when you go on these kinds of rides. Although this is an infrequent occurrence, like flying in an airplane, it is always a horrible thing to hear about or see.
Many youngsters are usually the ones on these rides so the fact it could be someone's child is a frightful feeling.
Sources- Fox News & AP
Photo- Butler Amusements
I always have in the back of my mind that an apparatus like a ferris wheel or similar ride might break apart. You just trust there will not be a malfunction when you go on these kinds of rides. Although this is an infrequent occurrence, like flying in an airplane, it is always a horrible thing to hear about or see. Many youngsters are usually the ones on these rides so the fact it could be someone's child is a frightful feeling.
Sources- Fox News & AP
Photo- Butler Amusements14 people like this
13 responses
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
27 Jul 17
This is why I avoid carnival rides.
4 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
28 Jul 17
This makes me even more sad when I read that the 18 year old had graduated from high school and was going to join the marines! When details like that are revealed, it brings more of a reality to the story, "this was a life that was cut short, this was someone's child". It really grieves me.
Also, we have gone to Dolly Wood a lot in the past and honestly my favorite ride there is the Merry Go Round. I have ridden the roller coasters, but I don't think I can ride them again after reading this.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
28 Jul 17
@dgobucks226 Yes, I am scared of those rides too.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
•
28 Jul 17
Those rides that go up in the air and spin around I am always leery about. I even get nervous on those ski lift cars.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50256)
• United States
28 Jul 17
I saw this on the news.....very sad when I was a child I can remember a Ferris Wheel breaking in two.
when I was a child I can remember a Ferris Wheel breaking in two.2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
6 Sep 17
@Tampa_girl that must have been horrible.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
28 Jul 17
It's really sad hearing about such tragedies, especially because people go to those places to have fun.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
•
28 Jul 17
Yes, a fun event that the state has every summer is tainted by this disaster, very sad for all involved
2 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 That is just awful! To go out for a day of fun and entertainment just for that to happen!
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
15 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 I love rides but I do admit even since a little girl, I worry whatever ride I'm on with malfunction.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
17 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 oh my goodness! ok no that would have been a bit terrifying!!!!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
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16 Feb 20
@VivaLaDani13 I try not to worry about it except when I rode the Ferris Wheel and it stopped at the top and rocked back and forth 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
•
12 Aug 17
It is so tragic when you hear of these amusement accidents. Because it usually will involve someone with their whole life ahead of them, being the majority of riders are young people.
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
13 Aug 17
@dgobucks226 I agree. I made a guy mad one time at the fair when I told him there was something wrong with the ride. I had just gotten off so I felt it. He raised a stink and so did I. They ended up shutting the ride down because it wasn't working right.
1 person likes this
@melindataylor22 (959)
• Waltham, Massachusetts
28 Jul 17
It is true that mostly young people go on rides and so they are the most at risk when things go wrong. As a parent myself especially when I do not live with my child that is very scary. I feel terrible for the high school graduate's loved ones and for all of those injured. They will be traumatized and not want to go on a ride again anytime soon. It also has to be hard for the people who work there and they must feel so much guilt. It is so difficult for anyone involved and so sad.
1 person likes this
@melindataylor22 (959)
• Waltham, Massachusetts
28 Jul 17
@dgobucks226 I am glad that was the first time that happened but it is true that people will never see that ride the same way again.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
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28 Jul 17
Tragic accidents like this are hard on all involved for sure. The company said that was the first instance of that ride malfunctioning and breaking apart. Unfortunately, it only takes one accident for people's perceptions to change about this ride's safety.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
6 Sep 17
@dgobucks226 I use to love the wild rides but now just looking at them gets me scared.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
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6 Sep 17
@ramapo17 I didn't like the big roller coasters when I was younger. I use to like the merry mixer or scrambler. The wilder ones not so much
@dgobucks226 (35615)
•
5 Sep 17
I don't know what there inspection procedures are but that makes sense. Those large amusement parks have many more rides versus the carnivals. Also, some of their rides are much more intense and elaborate!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (102927)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
28 Jul 17
I know that accidents in amusement park rides are very rare but due to medical issues that I have I cannot get on any of those amusement rides like the Fire Ball. There was a ride at Ponchatrain Park that was in New Orleans called the "Zephyr" and that ride can literally make you know what fear is.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35615)
•
28 Jul 17
It seems these amusements parks are always trying to come out with the latest and greatest scary ride. I thought a simple roller coaster was scary enough to ride on in my younger days.
1 person likes this
@Scrapper88 (5983)
• United States
6 Sep 17
It is sad to hear about stuff like this. This is why I do not ride on these kind of rides.
1 person likes this
