Six Flags adds safety belts after fatal fall
The amusement park chain will retrofit lap-bar coasters with new restraints following the death of a Georgia rider this month.
By Giulia Donovan ·
A fatal accident at a major theme park has triggered a sweeping safety overhaul across the Six Flags chain.
The company announced it will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia location. This change follows the death of a rider who was ejected from the ride earlier this month. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, fell from the coaster. He struck other cars while descending the 165-foot drop and the subsequent 180-foot plunge. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides at five different parks. Chief Executive John Reilly stated that the event deeply affected the entire team. He emphasized that safety remains a fundamental part of the guest experience. Reilly confirmed that other coasters using the same restraint system will also receive the new seatbelts. However, he did not specify which rides would be included in the update. The Goliath currently uses a lap bar design produced by Bolliger & Mabillard that locks across the rider's waist.
The park has also engaged an independent review team to audit safety procedures for all its attractions. Reilly acknowledged that trust is built through actions rather than words. He promised to continue communicating progress and hold the company accountable to its commitments.
This incident occurs while the company faces a separate lawsuit involving its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders alleges they suffered brain injuries due to a defective coaster. They claim the park was negligent for keeping the ride operating. A recent investigation by CNN highlighted a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths connected to that specific attraction. Court documents detail these allegations of bodily harm and operational failures.
Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. The company is now looking to address public concerns about restraint systems following this latest tragedy. The independent review will cover all attractions to ensure comprehensive safety standards are met.
The upcoming installation of seatbelts represents a significant shift in how the company designs rider safety features. While the immediate focus is on Goliath, the broader implications for other similar coasters remain to be defined. Families visiting theme parks may find this news both reassuring and concerning as they weigh the risks of high-speed rides.
