{
  "id": 10772825,
  "title": "Six Flags permanently shuts down X2 rollercoaster after claims of brain injuries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/six-flags-permanently-shuts-down-x2-rollercoaster-after-claims-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T20:16:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian US",
    "slug": "the-guardian-us",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/29/six-flags-permanently-shuts-down-x2-rollercoaster"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Six Flags has permanently closed its popular X2 rollercoaster in Valencia, California, following numerous reports of riders suffering serious injuries, including brain injuries. The ride, known for reaching speeds up to 76 mph and rotating seats, had been closed since mid-July. A CNN investigation revealed that two riders had experienced brain hemorrhages in July, with one, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson from Los Angeles, still hospitalized in a semi-conscious state. Additionally, CNN uncovered evidence suggesting at least two deaths may be linked to the ride, significantly expanding reports of alleged harm. More than 100 people have come forward alleging they were injured, according to personal injury attorneys Gary Dordick and Christopher Bulone, who have filed three new civil lawsuits against Six Flags. The attorneys argue that X2 is \"defective\" and that the park failed to adequately warn riders of the risks of head and brain injuries. Despite consistently passing safety tests, Six Flags president Brian Oerding announced the closure in a blog post, emphasizing that ride safety is a top priority for the company. Despite its popularity, welcoming over 16 million guests since opening in 2008, X2 is being closed due to concerns about guest confidence and safety, acknowledging the ride's significant place in coaster culture.",
  "summary": "More than 100 people have said they were injured by the ride in California, which reaches up to 76mph Six Flags has permanently shut down its embattled X2 rollercoaster in Valencia, California, the company announced on Tuesday, as a groundswell of past riders have come forward with allegations of serious injuries. X2, a Magic Mountain park favorite, which reaches up to 76mph (about 122km/h) and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CityNews",
        "title": "Six Flags Magic Mountain retires X2 roller coaster amid brain injury lawsuits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/six-flags-magic-mountain-retires-x2-roller-coaster-amid-brain-injury-10766629",
        "published": "2026-09-29T18:15:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Six Flags Magic Mountain retires X2 roller coaster amid brain injury lawsuits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/six-flags-magic-mountain-retires-x2-roller-coaster-amid-brain-injury",
        "published": "2026-09-29T18:15:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Why did Six Flags close the X2 roller coaster at Magic Mountain? Lawsuit after CNN probe causes big setback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/why-did-six-flags-close-the-x2-roller-coaster-at-magic-mountain",
        "published": "2026-09-29T18:34:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}