Ohio State Fair to open Thursday without rides after deadly malfunction

A fatal ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday has raised a lot of safety questions about carnival rides nationwide.

Here in Michigan, festival organizers are getting set up for the annual Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair in Sterling Heights. The festival has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and they've always had rides.

This year will be no different, organizers say, and they're confident all the rides are safe.

We're told the fire prevention and building department teams have inspected every ride, and will do a double check on Thursday.

"We are sure that all of these rides are safe, and we are confident that this year's Sterlingfest will be one of our best yet," the community relations director for the City of Sterling Heights told us. "Obviously, we sympathize with those who planned the Ohio State Fair. As a carnival or festival organizer, we really take all the necessary precautions to make sure things are safe."

On Wednesday, one person died and several others were injured when a thrill ride broke apart on the opening day of the Ohio State Fair.

1 dead, several others injured in ride malfunction at Ohio State Fair

Video captured by a bystander shows the Fire Ball ride swinging back and forth like a pendulum and spinning in the air when it crashes into something and part of the ride flies off. Screams are heard as passengers are thrown to the ground.

CAUTION: Below is video of the accident, it may be disturbing to some viewers
 

 

Officials said the man who was killed was one of several people who were thrown to the ground when the ride malfunctioned. They have not released his name. Ohio State Medical Center said three of the injured were being treated there. Two of them were in critical condition, the hospital said Thursday.

Officials weren't sure what caused the ride to break apart.

The fair will open on Thursday, but the rides won't be running until they all are deemed safe, officials state.

Sterlingfest is from July 27-29. You can get more information at www.sterling-heights.net.