Six Flags installs seatbelts on Goliath after rider's fatal fall

Six Flags announced on Friday that it will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia location. The decision follows the death of a rider who was ejected from the attraction earlier this month. This marks a significant shift for the ride, which has previously relied solely on a lap bar restraint system.

The incident involved Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator. While riding the coaster, Kariem was thrown from his seat. The ride features a 165-foot initial drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. As Kariem fell, he struck other cars on the track. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In the immediate aftermath, the company temporarily closed Goliath. It also shut down eight other rides across five different parks as a precautionary measure. John Reilly, the chief executive of Six Flags, addressed the workforce and the public in a statement released on Friday. He noted that the event has deeply affected the entire company and reaffirmed that safety is a fundamental part of the guest experience.

Reilly specified that the new seatbelts will be added to other coasters that utilize a similar restraint system. However, he did not provide a specific list of which other rides would undergo the modification. The Goliath coaster currently uses a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist. This design is produced by the manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard.

Beyond the physical changes to the rides, the park has commissioned an independent review of its safety procedures. This audit will cover all attractions at the facility. The goal is to ensure that operational protocols are robust enough to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In his communication, Reilly acknowledged the importance of actions over words. He stated that trust is earned through concrete steps and that the company will continue to share updates on its progress. He emphasized that Six Flags would hold itself accountable to its commitments to guests and families.

The Goliath incident occurs while the company faces other legal challenges regarding ride safety. Six Flags is currently involved in a lawsuit over the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders claims they suffered brain injuries on the coaster. They accuse the park of operating a defective machine and being negligent by keeping it open.

A recent investigation by CNN highlighted a long history of brain injuries associated with the X2 coaster, including at least two deaths. Court documents filed by the plaintiffs detail their allegations of bodily harm. The company permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. This timeline places the Goliath death in the context of broader scrutiny regarding the safety of high-intensity attractions.

The addition of seatbelts represents a tangible response to the tragedy in Georgia. While the investigation continues, the park aims to restore confidence among working families and visitors who rely on these venues for entertainment. The focus remains on ensuring that every rider is securely restrained throughout the ride's course.