Roller Coaster Accident at Six Flags Raises Safety Concerns

A tragic incident occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia when a man died on the Goliath hyper coaster. The ride, designed by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard, brought safety questions into focus once more. Investigators are looking into the cause of the accident, though responsibility is yet to be determined.

Incident Details

The victim, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem from Atlanta, fell from the ride, leading to his death. Officials found him unresponsive and not breathing under the Goliath coaster. The Cobb County Police Department is investigating, alongside the department’s Major Crimes Unit. Witness accounts and park photographs caught the fall, which included contact with other riders before landing on a nearby attractions rooftop.

In response, Six Flags issued a statement expressing condolences to Kariem’s family and pledging support to those affected. The incident led to the temporary closure of nine rides linked to Bolliger & Mabillard.

About Bolliger & Mabillard

Established in 1988, Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) is renowned for advanced roller coaster designs. The Goliath is one of their creations present at various Six Flags parks.

Brian Avery, a senior lecturer at the University of Florida, endorsed B&M’s safety record, highlighting their global reach in notable theme parks. Nonetheless, each ride-related incident demands a thorough examination before drawing conclusions.

Restraint Systems and Investigation

Avery explains that B&M’s hyper coasters use lap restraints combined with specially shaped seats to maintain rider safety. Despite the open upper body design, properly seated and eligible riders are expected to stay secure even during high-intensity moments.

An ejection indicates potential issues with restraint systems, requiring investigators to scrutinize how the ride, seat, and restraint interacted. They might inspect the restraint locking mechanisms, its components, maintenance history, and other safety factors.

B&M Roller Coasters at Six Flags

• Tormenta Rampaging Run – Six Flags Over Texas
• Wrath of Rakshasa – Six Flags Great America
• Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger – Six Flags Fiesta Texas
• Tatsu – Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Goliath – Six Flags Over Georgia
• Nitro – Six Flags Great Adventure
• Superman Krypton – Six Flags Fiesta Texas
• Batman: The Ride – Six Flags Great America

The accident prompted Six Flags to temporarily close rides at Cedar Point and King’s Island, among others, as a precaution.

Rides Closed Following the Incident

• Goliath – Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
• Raging Bull – Six Flags Great America, Illinois
• Nitro – Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
• Fury 325 – Carowinds, North Carolina
• Thunder Striker – Carowinds, North Carolina
• Orion – Kings Island, Cincinnati
• Diamondback – Kings Island, Cincinnati
• Leviathan – Canada’s Wonderland
• Behemoth – Canada’s Wonderland

Current Status of Six Flags Over Georgia

While Six Flags Over Georgia remains open, the Goliath coaster and potentially some other rides are temporarily closed for safety assessments.