One person has died and several others were injured – at least three cricitally – when seats snapped off an amusement ride on the opening night of the Ohio State Fair.

The person killed was an 18-year-old man, US media is reporting.

And a 13 year-old-child was among those hurt in the accident on the ‘Fire Ball’ attraction that hoists and spins people in the air.

“We are really shocked because I think they do take really good care in trying to prevent this kind of thing… so it is really a shame,” said one woman at the scene, in the city of Columbus.

A victim is removed after ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair. Read more: https://t.co/IjOHMhF63l(Video: madartistairbrush) pic.twitter.com/RSS6O9NpE7— NBC News (NBCNews) 27 juillet 2017

Inspectors say the ‘Fire Ball’ had gone through safety checks.

Its seats are in a circular configuration at the end of an arm that swings riders in a pendulum motion as they are being spun.

Ohio State Governor John Kasich has halted all rides at the fair until additional tests are carried out.

“It is a very, very tough situation when you go somewhere to celebrate and have a great time and you are with friends and sometimes with family. The fair is about the best things in life and tonight, with this accident, it becomes a terrible, terrible tragedy,” Kasich told reporters.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich confirms ride in question was inspected multiple times. https://t.co/zfI3oyQeFh— NBC News (@NBCNews) 27 juillet 2017

Fairgoers stunned by death, injuries on Fire Ball at Ohio State Fair https://t.co/RHGcO9qQJN pic.twitter.com/A2KaPXkt5B— Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) 27 juillet 2017

The Ohio state fair, one of the biggest such events in America, dates back to 1850.

It will continue while an investigation is carried out into what Governor Kasich called the worst tragedy in its history.

with Reuters