Six Flags reveals major roller coaster safety overhaul after rider’s death
Six Flags is adding seat belts to some of its roller coasters following the death of a rider earlier this month. The new safety changes to rides across the country comes after an Oct. 12 incident in Georgia where a 42-year-old rider named Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was apparently ejected from their seat on the Goliath roller coaster, resulting in their death. Four other riders were also reportedly…
Six Flags has announced a significant safety overhaul for its roller coasters following a tragic incident. A 42-year-old rider, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, died in October after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster in Georgia. Four other individuals were also injured in the incident. In response, John Reilly, President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, stated that the company is reinforcing safety precautions and adding seat belts to select roller coasters.
The Goliath, standing at 200 feet and capable of speeds up to 70 miles per hour, is one of nine rides across five parks that are temporarily closed as safety investigations take place. All nine rides feature similar clamshell restraints, manufactured by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard. Kristin Fitzgerald, Director of Public Relations and Communications for Six Flags, revealed that the timeline for reopening the affected rides is currently unknown.
The installation of seat belts will depend on various factors, including engineering requirements, component availability, and approval processes. Other amusement parks have also taken proactive measures, closing rides with comparable restraints such as those at La Ronde in Montreal, Canada, and SeaWorld Orlando, although the latter has since reopened the ride.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
