Six Flags to add seatbelts to Goliath after fatal fall, orders safety review
Six Flags will install seatbelts on Goliath in Georgia and similar coasters, and has commissioned an independent safety review after a rider's fatal fall, The Guardian reports.
The story in focus
Six Flags will add seatbelts to its Goliath rollercoaster in Georgia and to coasters with similar restraints, and has commissioned an independent safety review, after rider Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell to his death earlier this month, The Guardian reports. CEO John Reilly said the incident deeply affected staff.
- Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster in Georgia after a rider fell to his death earlier this month.
- Seatbelts will also be added to coasters with a similar restraint design, though the exact list remains unclear.
- The park temporarily closed Goliath and eight rides at five other parks.
- Georgia authorities have launched a probe into the death.
- Six Flags has commissioned an independent review of safety procedures for all its attractions.
Fatal fall and ride closure
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator, was thrown from his seat on the Goliath, a coaster with a 165ft plunge and a second 180ft drop, The Guardian reports. He collided with other cars on the way down.
The incident prompted Six Flags to temporarily close Goliath and eight rides at five other parks. Georgia authorities have launched an investigation into the death.
Seatbelts and safety review
Six Flags will install seatbelts on Goliath, which features a lap bar that locks over a rider's waist, a design from Bolliger & Mabillard. Seatbelts will also be added to coasters with a similar restraint, CEO John Reilly announced, though an exact list remains unclear.
The company has also commissioned an independent review of safety procedures for all of its attractions. Reilly said the incident deeply affected staff and that safety has always been fundamental to the guest experience, according to The Guardian. He added that trust is earned through actions and that the company will communicate about its progress.
Separate litigation
The fatal incident comes as Six Flags faces a lawsuit over alleged bodily harm on its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A CNN investigation uncovered a history of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to the ride, according to The Guardian. Six Flags permanently shut down X2 in September.
What changes is Six Flags making after the Goliath rider death?
Six Flags will add seatbelts to Goliath and coasters with similar restraints, and has commissioned an independent safety review of all attractions, CEO John Reilly said, per The Guardian.
Sources & further reading
- Six Flags to reopen Goliath rollercoaster – but now with seatbelts after recent rider death ↗The Guardian
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