(Columbus, Oh.) - The Dutch manufacturer of a thrill ride that broke apart and killed an 18-year-old man at the Ohio State Fair says excessive corrosion on a support beam led to a "catastrophic failure."
The Associated Press reports that KMG posted the memo on its Facebook page on Sunday that says company officials visited the accident site and conducted metallurgical tests. The statement says the corrosion on the 18 year-old ride "dangerously reduced" the thickness on the wall of the beam holding a passenger gondola on the swinging and spinning ride.
The Franklin County coroner says Tyler Jarrell died from blunt force trauma injuries to his to his head, trunk and lower extremities, after being tossed 50 feet into the air when the fire ball ride broke apart.
Four people remained hospitalized last week, including one who is reportedly still in a coma. One of those injured is Jarrell's girlfriend, University of Cincinnati Student Keziah Lewis. The 19 year-old has undergone multiple surgery's for injures to her pelvis, ankle and ribs.
Jarrell had enlisted with the U.S. Marines five days before his death. He was scheduled to attend basic training next June after he graduated Franklin Heights high school.
KMG ordered similar rides shut down worldwide after the July 26 accident. The ride is operated by Amusements of America, a carnival company from New Jersey.