Fire Ball ride pulled from Saskatoon, Regina fairs

This year’s exhibitions in Saskatoon and Regina won’t feature the swinging thrill ride Fire Ball.

The move comes after one person died and seven were injured when a Fire Ball broke apart mid-ride at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday night.

Dramatic 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.

It had been inspected multiple times during the course of the state fair. As a result of the tragedy, the manufacturer has taken the Fire Ball out of commission.

North American Midway Entertainment provides rides for the Saskatoon and Queen City exhibitions. The company is not connected to Amusements of America, which handles the event in Ohio.

“We’re waiting for a report out of the Ohio State Fair from the ride manufacturer,” Scooter Korek with the company confirmed Thursday.

“Those reports and investigations usually take some time and we’re committed not to open the Fire Ball until we do receive those reports and manufacturer recommendations.”

While fans may miss out on this part of the midway experience, Korek wants to ensure the amusement company’s safety record remains

“We have employed some of the best safety and also mechanic personnel in the outdoor amusement industry,” Korek said. “I am very proud of what we do here and I think our safety record is exemplary.”

Korek hoped midway fans will still be out in Regina and Saskatoon despite the events in Ohio.

The Queen City Ex is set to open Aug. 2, with the Saskatoon Ex starting Aug. 8.