Man Dies After Being Ejected from Six Flags Over Georgia Roller Coaster
A 42-year-old Atlanta man was killed when he was thrown from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting an investigation and temporary closure of the ride.
A 42-year-old Atlanta resident died after being ejected from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. Police and emergency crews responded to the park at about 3:58 p.m., and investigators later confirmed that the victim, identified as Hassan Kariem, succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses said Kariem was seated next to his partner's niece when he was thrown from the train into nearby woods. The girl was not injured. Cobb County police evacuated the attraction and later secured the entire park while the investigation continued.
State safety inspectors arrived on Tuesday to conduct a physical and mechanical examination of the coaster. "Safety inspectors and investigators are on the ground examining the equipment and working with park officials and public safety officials in Cobb County," Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said.
Six Flags announced that Goliath and similar ride models at its other parks will remain closed pending safety evaluations. The park plans to reopen to guests later this weekend, but Goliath will stay shut until investigators complete their review.
Family members described Kariem as a longtime educator in the Atlanta Public Schools system and a beloved member of their community. They asked the public to respect their privacy and refrain from sharing images or videos of the incident online.
Detectives with the Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit are leading the inquiry into the cause of the ejection, including the condition of the ride’s restraints.