Six Flags commits to new restraint systems for Goliath and similar coasters

Riders at Six Flags parks will soon encounter a new layer of security as the company prepares to install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster. This change follows the tragic death of a guest who was ejected from his seat during a ride earlier this month. The update marks a significant shift in how the company secures passengers on this specific attraction, which is located at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The incident involved Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father. While traveling on the Goliath, which features a 165-foot drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet, Kariem was thrown from his seat. During his fall, he struck other cars on the ride. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. In response to the accident, Six Flags temporarily closed the Goliath along with eight other rides across five different parks.

John Reilly, the chief executive of Six Flags, addressed the public on Friday regarding the company's next steps. He stated that the event has deeply affected the entire organization and affirmed that safety has always been a fundamental part of the guest experience. Reilly announced that seatbelts will be added to other coasters that utilize a similar restraint system, although he did not identify which specific rides would undergo the modification. The Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist, a design manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.

Beyond the immediate hardware changes, the park has commissioned an independent review of its safety procedures. This audit will cover all attractions within the facility to ensure comprehensive oversight. Reilly emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that trust is earned through actions rather than just words. He promised to continue communicating progress on these measures and to hold the company accountable to its commitments to guests.

The accident at the Georgia park arrives during a period of heightened scrutiny for Six Flags. The company is currently facing a lawsuit related to its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. According to court documents, a group of former riders who claim to have suffered brain injuries on that coaster has accused the park of negligence. They allege that the park operated a defective ride and kept it running despite known issues.

A recent investigation by CNN highlighted a long history of brain injuries and at least two deaths connected to the X2 coaster. In response to these ongoing concerns and legal challenges, Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. The closure of that high-speed attraction, combined with the changes to the Goliath, signals a broader effort by the company to address safety perceptions among its visitors.