Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law a bill that strengthens rules for amusement rides in Ohio.
The new law is named after 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell, of Grove City, who was killed when the "Fireball" ride malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair in 2017. Jennifer Lambert, 19, died from a traumatic brain injury in September 2018, and six other people were hurt in the incident.
Ohio Department of Agriculture director Dorothy Pelanda says the new law codifies a more extensive inspection process. It defines qualifications for ride inspectors and outlines the responsibilities of ride owners, among other things.
“The bill also includes provisions such as the requirement to photograph every major repair that the ride has made. It also requires that a professional engineer be a part of the ride advisory board going forward," Pelanda says.
The new law also applies to all rides at events and amusement parks statewide.
The Fireball's malfunction was later blamed on excessive corrososion in a steel support beam. Members of Jarrell's family attending the law signing at the Ohio Statehouse.
