A popular ride on the midway at K-Days has been closed, after one person died and seven others injured when the same ride malfunctioned Wednesday at the Ohio State Fair.
The ride, called the Fire Ball, swings and spins riders, on Wednesday it broke apart mid-ride and threw riders to the ground. Fair organizers in Ohio said the ride passed inspection hours before the accident.
An 18-year-old male died in the incident, and seven others were injured. John Kasich, Ohio’s Governor, ordered the closure of all rides until they’re inspected for safety. An investigation will be carried out by the Ohio Highway Patrol.
In Edmonton, North American Midway Entertainment, the company that runs the rides for K-Days, has chosen to shut down the Fireball for now. The company is not affiliated with the operator in Ohio.
“If there’s been an incident somewhere else in the industry, then we’re very proactive to make sure that that incident never happens here on our midway,” Scooter Korek, VP with North American Midway Entertainment said.
Northlands issued a statement Wednesday, after the decision was made to close the ride.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragic accident in Ohio this evening. As safety is our number one priority, we support our midway provider’s (North American Midway Entertainment) decision to close the Fireball ride until further notice.”
In addition, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) set to start in mid-August, has told CTV News the ride will not be included in this year’s event “until further notice”.
With files from Angela Jung
