Riders Will Now Wear Seatbelts on Six Flags Coaster After Fatal Accident

For the first time in the history of this specific attraction, riders at Six Flags Over Georgia will be required to fasten a seatbelt before the coaster begins its descent. This change comes directly after a 42-year-old man died earlier this month when he fell from his seat during a ride. The update is expected to alter the standard pre-ride procedure for guests who seek out high-speed thrills, adding a layer of physical restraint that was not previously present on this particular model.

The victim, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was a father and educator. He was riding Goliath, a rollercoaster known for its extreme drops. The ride features an initial plunge of 165 feet followed immediately by a second drop of 180 feet. During the experience, Kariem was ejected from his position. As he fell, his body struck other cars on the track. Georgia state authorities have launched an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In response to the tragedy, Six Flags temporarily halted operations on Goliath. The closure extended beyond the Georgia park, as eight rides at five other locations across the country were also shut down while the company assessed safety protocols. The immediate pause in service allowed staff to review procedures and begin planning the mechanical changes that would prevent a similar ejection in the future.

John Reilly, the chief executive officer of Six Flags, addressed the incident in a statement released on Friday. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the event on the company staff and the guest community. Reilly emphasized that safety has always been a core component of the experience they aim to provide. He noted that the organization is deeply affected by the loss and is committed to ensuring the well-being of visitors.

The company has decided to install seatbelts on Goliath as a primary corrective measure. However, Reilly indicated that this upgrade will not be limited to just one ride. Other coasters that utilize a similar restraint system will also receive the new seatbelts. While the specific names of these additional rides were not detailed in the announcement, the scope of the update suggests a broader review of the fleet's safety standards.

Currently, Goliath relies on a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist. This design is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, a prominent firm in the amusement ride industry. The shift to a seatbelt configuration represents a significant departure from the traditional lap bar method used on many of their high-intensity coasters. The independent review of safety procedures mentioned by the company will cover all attractions, not just those undergoing mechanical modifications.

Reilly recognized that public confidence in theme parks is built through tangible actions rather than verbal assurances. He stated that the company plans to maintain open lines of communication regarding the progress of these safety upgrades. He emphasized that Six Flags will hold itself accountable to the commitments made to guests during this period of review and implementation.

The incident at Six Flags Over Georgia occurs during a period of heightened legal scrutiny for the amusement park chain. The company is currently facing a lawsuit related to alleged bodily harm on the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A recent investigation by CNN highlighted a long history of brain injuries associated with that specific coaster, including at least two deaths.

Court documents reveal that a group of former riders has filed claims against the park. They allege that the X2 coaster was defective and that the park was negligent in keeping it in operation despite these issues. The legal battle underscores the financial and reputational stakes involved in maintaining complex mechanical systems that operate at high speeds and forces.

Six Flags has already taken decisive action regarding the X2 coaster. The ride was permanently closed in September, removing it from the guest lineup. This closure, combined with the new seatbelt installation on Goliath, signals a potential shift in how the company manages risk across its portfolio of thrill rides. The outcome of the Georgia investigation will likely influence future safety standards for the industry.