State Won't Fine Thrill Ride Operator Following Fatal Fair Accident

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has decided not to fine the operators of a thrill ride that broke apart at the Ohio State Fair last summer, killing one person. An investigative summary released Friday says department will not fine Amusements of America even though the company failed to report the accident without 24 hours as required by law. The summary says the group, however, did notify the state immediately. A four-passenger carriage on the swinging and spinning ride called the Fire Ball broke apart July 26 and flung one of the ride's carriages into the air. 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell was killed. Dutch manufacturer, KMG, said the cause was excessive corrosion of a support beam.