Six Flags suspends nine rides at six parks after fatal Georgia coaster fall
Following a man's death on the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, the company temporarily closed nine similar attractions across six locations while authorities investigate.
Six Flags announced Monday that nine rides at six of its parks have been temporarily shut down after a 42-year-old man fell from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and died. The coaster, which reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour and climbs 200 feet, was the site of the incident that also injured several other riders, police said.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks," a Six Flags spokesperson said, adding that guest and employee safety remains a top priority. The company did not list all affected rides, but reports indicate that the Nitro coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is among those closed.
Six Flags Over Georgia remained closed on Tuesday for a scheduled non-operating day. Police identified the deceased as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta. A witness said the man "came straight up out of his seat," and another rider described the scene as feeling "like it was happening in slow motion."
The park expressed sorrow over the incident and said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The investigation will examine video footage, maintenance records and witness statements, according to legal and risk professor Brian Avery of the University of Florida. Avery noted that roller-coaster incidents are rare and called for consistent federal safety standards for amusement rides.