Investigation into Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath death to examine maintenance, design and operator factors

Georgia's Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said investigators will examine whether maintenance problems, design flaws or operator mistakes contributed to the death of 42-year-old Hassan Kariem, who was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

"Our team has been on the ground working day and night to ensure that every relevant detail receives the attention it deserves," King said in a statement. The park issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victim's family and emphasizing its commitment to safety while cooperating with state authorities and the ride manufacturer. A March inspection of Goliath found no violations, but the report noted that staff needed to replace bushings—components that reduce friction in mechanical assemblies. Experts said the condition of those bushings, as well as adherence to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, could be a focal point of the inquiry. Engineers highlighted that even a slight defect in a bushing can affect the alignment of pins and joints, potentially compromising ride integrity. The bushings identified in the March report were located on the coaster’s bogie assemblies, which connect the cars to the track, and were reportedly replaced as recommended. Investigators will also consider whether restraints were properly secured, as ride operators are required to verify that the padded clamshell lap bars are locked before dispatch. Industry observers noted that the Goliath model, designed by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard and operating since 2006, has a safety record that includes a handful of quickly resolved violations between 2016 and 2021 but none since. The probe follows previous incidents on Six Flags rides, including a 2022 fatality on the X2 coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain, which raised questions about staff training and maintenance practices. Attorneys representing victims of that case have expressed concerns about the competence of ride-maintenance personnel. Former park employees described a fast-paced environment in which new operators received abbreviated training and were sometimes allowed to begin work after a brief test, raising additional concerns about procedural rigor. The investigation aims to determine whether any lapse in maintenance, design compliance or operator protocol contributed to the tragedy, and officials have pledged a thorough review before any conclusions are drawn.