1 dead, 7 others hurt in ride malfunction at Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A swinging and spinning amusement park ride called the Fire Ball malfunctioned and broke apart on the opening day of the Ohio State fair Wednesday, hurling people through the air, killing at least one and injuring seven others.

Five of the injured were in critical condition, and the other two were in stable condition Wednesday night at area hospitals, said Columbus fire battalion chief Steve Martin.

The man who was killed was one of several who were thrown from the Fire Ball ride when it malfunctioned, Martin said.

Video captured by a bystander shows the 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, throwing riders to the ground.

In a statement, Republican Gov. John Kasich said he is "terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio's fair."

Kasich said he has ordered a full investigation and ordered all fair rides be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed.

The fair did not respond to a request seeking comment.

In a post on the fair's Twitter page, it said: "There has been a report of a ride incident. We are investigating and will report information as available."

The Ohio State Fair runs through Aug. 6.