After Ohio State Fair tragedy, Illinois removes one ride ahead of its fair

Posted on July 28, 2017
Illinois State Fair
The 2017 Illinois State Fair is scheduled for Aug. 10-20. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Illinois State Fair)

By RFD Radio/WFMB

SPRINGFIELD – The investigation of a deadly amusement ride accident at the Ohio State Fair has led to Illinois Labor Department and Agriculture officials to give a ride the boot before next month’s state fair begins.

Ag spokeswoman Rebecca Clark said the suspension affects one Freak Out ride at the State Fair in Springfield.

“Out of an abundance of caution, that ride will not be at the Illinois State Fair this year,” she said.

Clark noted the Illinois State Fair goes to great lengths to ensure ride safety.

“The Department of Labor conducts routine and surprise inspections of all the amusement rides and attracts out here at the Illinois State Fair,” Clark said. “Those folks with inspect and permit every single ride to determine if they are safe to operate.”

The Department of Labor is shutting down eleven other similar rides across the state.

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 10-20. The McLean County Fair in Bloomington begins Wednesday.

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