Six Flags Halts 9 Rides Across 6 Parks After Georgia Coaster Tragedy
Six Flags closes 9 rides after a man fell from Georgia coaster. Investigation underway as safety concerns rise.
POLICY WIRE — Atlanta, United States — Six Flags has shut down nine rides at six of its locations following a fatal incident on a roller coaster in Georgia, the company confirmed.
The tragedy occurred when a man fell from Goliath, a high-speed hypercoaster that reaches 70 miles per hour and towers over 200 feet. Multiple individuals were also injured, according to local authorities.
A spokesperson for Six Flags stated, Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks. The company emphasized its commitment to guest and staff safety. The Georgia park was already scheduled to be closed Tuesday, but the incident has led to further scrutiny.
Police identified the deceased as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old from Atlanta. A witness described the moment the man exited his seat, saying, Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. Another rider, Nick Mendenhall, who had just finished the ride with his son, called the event surreal.
Six Flags expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is cooperating with investigators. This follows a similar situation two weeks ago, when the X2 coaster at Magic Mountain in California was permanently removed due to legal challenges over injuries. The company has not commented on ongoing litigation.
Authorities in Georgia are working to determine the cause of the crash. Legal expert Brian Avery from the University of Florida noted that investigators will review video footage, maintenance records, and witness accounts to uncover the root cause. He also called for federal oversight of amusement ride safety standards.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
