After the Fire Ball amusement ride malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair on July 26, killing one person and injuring seven others, officials at Belmont Park in Mission Beach closed the similar Beach Blaster ride on Thursday, July 27. The Fire Ball ride, which has at least six rows of seats that spin around in the air as the entire structure moves like a pendulum, broke apart while it was in motion on Wednesday.
The tragedy has prompted ride shutdowns across California. Amusement ride owners have voluntarily shut down the six Fire Ball rides at amusement parks statewide, according to Cal/OSHA. The Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit asked park owners to close the rides after the fatal accident.
The rides may reopen once the manufacturers release further information or the rides have been inspected by Cal/OSHA.
Tyler Jarrell, an 18-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, was pronounced dead at the fairgrounds, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said in a statement, according to CNN. Seven others, ranging in age from 14 to 42 years old, were injured and transported to area hospitals.
