A man aged 42 lost his life on a roller-coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after being thrown from his seat and hitting other riders before landing beneath the ride, as per police reports on Tuesday. The incident on Monday led to the temporary closure of nine similar roller-coasters across the country by Six Flags, leaving park visitors in shock.
Authorities, along with a state agency responsible for ride inspections, are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances of the man’s fall and whether there were any issues with his restraints. The victim, a school employee named Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem from Atlanta, met his tragic end while riding Goliath, the park’s tallest roller-coaster featuring a towering first hill of 61 meters.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying event, with one visitor, Nick Mendenhall, describing how the man appeared to be suspended in mid-air as the coaster car moved beneath him. The man then fell back into the coaster and was ultimately ejected from the ride during its final turn.
Goliath, located at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta, lacks seat belts and instead utilizes lap bars for rider restraint. Although not the tallest, fastest, or most extreme coaster in the industry, it offers a series of hills and turns that provide an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.
Following the tragic incident, similar roller-coasters at various North American parks have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation expressed deep sadness over the incident and assured cooperation with authorities in their investigation, offering support to those affected.
The Goliath roller-coaster at Montreal’s La Ronde amusement park has also been temporarily shut down pending updates from the ride manufacturer. The tragic event has deeply impacted the community, with local officials expressing condolences to the victim’s family and emphasizing the park’s significance in the region’s tourism sector.
Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is conducting a thorough review of the incident, which marks at least the seventh fatality at the Georgia park. This tragedy follows recent legal actions against Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, where the X2 roller-coaster faced allegations of causing serious brain injuries, leading to its retirement.
The amusement park industry’s safety measures and regulations are under scrutiny following this unfortunate incident, as authorities and park operators work together to ensure the well-being of guests and prevent future tragedies.