Six Flags to add seatbelts to Goliath after rider death
Six Flags announced new safety measures, including seatbelts, for the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after a rider was killed on Oct. 12.
The story in focus
Six Flags announced Saturday that it will add seatbelts to the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, which remains closed after rider Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected and killed on Oct. 12. Eight similar coasters also remain closed for new restraints, while one has reopened.
- Six Flags will install seatbelts on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, which had lap-bar restraints.
- The coaster remains closed during inspection and investigation of the Oct. 12 death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem.
- Eight other similar coasters remain closed pending seatbelts or other restraints; one has reopened.
- The park has engaged independent engineers to review safety procedures across all parks.
New safety measures
Six Flags administrators said Saturday they will implement new safety measures, including seatbelts, for the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The ride had lap-bar restraints, according to the company.
The hyper coaster will remain closed while the park continues to inspect it and investigate the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected from the ride on Oct. 12 and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction, Cobb County Police said.
Six Flags said it has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to comprehensively review safety procedures across its entire portfolio of rides and attractions at all parks.
Closures and reopening
After the incident, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters as a precaution, including Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
On Saturday, the company said eight of those coasters remained closed and will have seatbelts or other restraints installed. Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain has since reopened, according to the park.
The investigation by the park and police is ongoing. Kariem, 42, was at the park with family members to celebrate his niece's birthday, a relative told ABC News.
Which coasters remain closed after the Goliath incident?
Eight similar coasters remain closed and will receive seatbelts or other restraints, Six Flags said. One, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain, has reopened. Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia also remains closed during inspection and investigation.
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