DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — The State Fair of Texas will not have the Fireball ride in Fair Park come late September when the fair opens.
One person died and many others were injured after the ride malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair on Wednesday (Click here to see a video — WARNING: Graphic content). The State Fair of Texas says they run an independent Midway, meaning they pick their rides from multiple operator companies, instead of just one like a typical carnival.
“That allows to handpick the rides we bring to the State Fair of Texas and bring the creme of the crop for our fair-goers” said State Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis.
She says part of their safety protocol is making operators submit safety checks, including one that examines the inside of the ride as well, not just possible superficial cracking on the outside.
They also make operators attend weekly safety meetings.
“We have our independent inspectors inspect all rides prior to opening day, and then they inspect groups of rides daily throughout the fair,” Condoianis said.
Condoianis said the accident in Ohio was “heartbreaking” and that Texas fair-goers can rest easy knowing the fair takes ride safety seriously in the Lone Star State.
The 2017 State Fair of Texas opens on September 29 and runs through October 22.