Iowa State Fair General Manager Gary Slater says the Iowa fair contracts with a different amusement ride company, than the Ohio State Fair, and the "Fireball" ride has never been here.
The "Fire Ball" ride malfunctioned last night at the Ohio State Fair, killing one man and injuring seven others. Officials say a row of seats broke free, launching riders into the midway. Ohio Governor John Kasich called the accident the worst tragedy in the history of the Ohio State Fair.
Slater is reassuring Iowa State Fair visitors that all rides are checked out, and rides are inspected so all wear points and stress areas are inspected before ride is certified and open to the public.
He says the Iowa State Fair has never had a catastrophic accident like what happened in Ohio. Several years ago, a thrill ride had a minor malfunction, and a couple of people were stranded up high, and were rescued by a cherry picker. There were no injuries.