In a precautionary move, Six Flags Entertainment has temporarily halted operations of 10 roller coasters across seven parks in the United States and Canada. This decision follows the tragic death of a man on Monday, who was ejected from the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia, located just outside Atlanta.
The deceased has been identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old resident of Atlanta, as confirmed by the Cobb County Police Department on Tuesday.
Authorities reported that Kariem was thrown from his seat, impacted other parkgoers, and fell beneath the ride's structure. Four additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident, though officials have withheld details regarding their conditions.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes. Logan Conner, who was on the ride with his fiancée, described to NBC, "The man started to float sideways in the air. We made direct eye contact with him." Britny Landry, waiting in line to ride again, told KTVU-TV, "We just looked up and saw someone get flung off. At first, I thought someone might have thrown a bag."
The precise cause behind Kariem's ejection—whether mechanical failure, an issue with the restraint system, or another factor—remains publicly undetermined.
Kariem was a technology manager, teacher, and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy, a charter school within the Atlanta Public Schools district, where he had dedicated over 12 years. The district described him as a "dearly loved" member of the school community.
Widespread Safety Precautions Implemented
In response to the incident, Six Flags has closed similar attractions at various parks. In the U.S., this includes Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Ohio. In Canada, the affected rides are Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland in Ontario.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily shut down similar rides in our parks. The safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority," a company spokesperson told EFE.
No timeline has been provided for when these rides might reopen, as Six Flags continues to cooperate fully with local authorities.
Investigation Underway
The Goliath roller coaster, which opened in 2006, boasts a top speed of 70 mph and a height of 200 feet, featuring a track that spans over three minutes with sharp turns and towering hills. The Six Flags Over Georgia park in Austell has been operating since 1967.
The Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, along with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, is conducting a thorough investigation. Garrison Bennett, a spokesperson for the commissioner's office, confirmed that a "comprehensive and complete review" is in progress.
According to the Doan Law Firm, which monitors amusement park accidents, this incident marks at least the seventh death at Six Flags Over Georgia since 1989.
The accident occurs amid increasing scrutiny of the amusement park chain's safety standards. Just two weeks prior, Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closed its X2 roller coaster following lawsuits from over 100 individuals claiming severe brain injuries. The park also settled out of court with the family of a 22-year-old who died after riding X2 in 2022.
Lisa Cupid, Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, expressed her sorrow, stating, "I can't fathom the horror witnessed by visitors and staff today, and my heart goes out to the family who lost a loved one. We are all trying to comprehend how such a devastating event could happen at a place that has provided joyful memories to generations of families."
Understanding Amusement Park Safety Concerns
What steps is Six Flags taking following the incident?
Six Flags has temporarily closed similar roller coasters in various parks across the U.S. and Canada as a safety precaution and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, along with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, is conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Has Six Flags experienced similar incidents in the past?
Yes, according to the Doan Law Firm, there have been at least seven recorded deaths at Six Flags Over Georgia since 1989, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.