An amusement park ride broke apart on the opening day of the Ohio State Fair in the US, hurling people through the air, leaving one man dead and injuring seven other people.

Three of the injured were in a critical condition, authorities said.

“The fair is about the best things in life and tonight with this accident it becomes a terrible, terrible tragedy,” said Ohio governor John Kasich.

The man who was killed was one of several people who were thrown off when the Fire Ball ride malfunctioned, Columbus Fire Battalion chief Steve Martin said.

Dramatic video captured by a bystander shows the ride swinging back and forth like a pendulum and spinning in the air when it crashes into something and part of the amusement breaks off, throwing riders to the ground.

A company providing rides at the Columbus fair this year describes the Fire Ball as an “aggressive thrill” experience.

On its website, Amusements of America says that since its debut in 2002, the Fire Ball has become “one of the most popular thrill rides on the AOA Midway”.

The company description of the ride says it swings riders 40 feet above the midway while spinning them at 13 revolutions per minute.

Mr Kasich said he had ordered a full investigation and all fair rides to be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed.

In a tweet, the fair said: “There has been a report of a ride incident. We are investigating and will report information as available.”

PA