Six Flags announced on Friday that it will install seat belts on its Goliath roller coaster at the Georgia park near Atlanta after a tragic accident claimed the life of a local man. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, who served as an educator at Wesley International Academy within the Atlanta Public Schools district, was ejected from the ride on October 12. Witnesses reported a harrowing scene where Kariem struck other passengers during his fall before ultimately landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction.
In response to the tragedy, Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly issued a statement acknowledging that trust must be earned through action rather than words. He emphasized that he takes personal responsibility for the company’s safety standards and promised ongoing transparency regarding their progress. As part of this commitment, the company has hired independent engineers and specialized inspectors to conduct a comprehensive safety review of every single ride and attraction across their entire global portfolio.
While over 200 roller coasters remain open, several high profile rides have been shut down out of an abundance of caution. These closures extend beyond Georgia to include various parks such as Six Flags Magic Mountain, Canada’s Wonderland, and Kings Island. While the company has provided a list of affected rides including Fury 325 and Leviathan, they have not yet specified when these attractions will be cleared to reopen to the public.
This latest incident adds to a mounting series of legal and safety challenges for the entertainment giant. Just last month, the company faced lawsuits from guests claiming they suffered brain injuries while riding X2 at Magic Mountain, a thrill ride known for its intense rotating seats and steep drops. By implementing mandatory seat belts on Goliath and auditing their fleet, Six Flags hopes to address growing concerns about rider security across its network of theme parks.