Thrill ride OK'd hours before deadly Ohio State Fair accident

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Inspectors repeatedly looked over a thrill ride while it was assembled at the Ohio State Fair and signed off on it hours before it flew apart in a deadly accident that flung passengers into the ground, according to authorities and records released Thursday.

Investigators worked to find out what caused the opening-day wreck that killed a high-school student who just had enlisted in the Marines.

Seven other people were injured, including four teenagers.

The ride's Dutch manufacturer told operators of the same attraction at fairs and festivals around the world to stop using it until more is learned about what caused the malfunction.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich shut down all rides at the state fair and ordered them inspected again.

He said it was too early to say whether inspectors missed something that led to the tragedy Wednesday night.

"It's a nightmare. It's a terrible situation," he said.

Video taken by a bystander of the swinging, spinning Fire Ball ride in action captured a crashing sound.

A section holding four riders came apart, and screams could be heard as at least two people were ejected and plunged toward the ground.

Other riders were still in their seats as they fell.

Tyler Jarrell, 18, of Columbus was thrown about 50 feet and pronounced dead on the midway.

The Marine Corps and school officials said Jarrell enlisted last week and was going to begin basic training next summer after his high-school graduation.

"That was just this past Friday. Then he goes to the state fair, and he is involved in this horrible tragedy. It's just devastating," said Capt. Gerard Lennon Jr., a naval-science instructor in the Junior ROTC program at Jarrell's high school.

The injured ranged in age from 14 to 42. At least two were listed in critical condition.

Some people were hit by debris.

Records show inspections on Fire Ball were up to date, and a state permit was issued for the ride Wednesday, the fair's opening day.