COLUMBUS (AP) — A lawsuit filed against the maker of an amusement ride that broke apart at the Ohio State Fair says the company knew years before about a defect that caused the deadly crash.

The family of an 18-year-old who died at the fair and three others who were seriously injured in 2017 filed the lawsuit Monday against Dutch manufacturer KMG.

Attorneys say they have a letter sent by the company in 2012 that shows it knew about a design flaw that could cause corrosion.

KMG previously has said the cause was excessive corrosion of a support beam where a carriage on the Fire Ball ride broke apart.

A message seeking comment on the lawsuit was left with the company on Monday.