Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after hundreds allege brain injuries

Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park in California has decided to permanently retire the popular X2 rollercoaster after hundreds of riders alleged they suffered brain injuries. The ride, known for its 360-degree spinning seats, has been closed since July. Six Flags stated that the coaster had passed safety tests, but it chose to close it "the right thing to do".

The park's President, Brian Oerding, emphasized that ride safety is a priority for them. However, the closure has been criticized by a law firm representing plaintiffs, who claim that it came "too late" for the injured riders. Dordick Law Corporation has filed civil lawsuits against the park, alleging that hundreds of people suffered catastrophic brain injuries while riding X2.

Some required emergency brain surgery and are still struggling to recover. Despite the closure, the law firm emphasized that it does not help those who have already been injured. The rollercoaster, originally called X, first opened in 2002 but faced design flaws and was closed for repairs and retraining of its trains. It reopened as X2 in 2003 and has since been ridden by over 16 million people.

The closure comes after lawsuits and news reports alleging the injuries. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022, also called for legal reform and proper governmental oversight, stating that the park's actions were too late to prevent the tragedy.