Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes X2 rollercoaster after injury claims

Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has announced the permanent closure of its X2 rollercoaster following more than 100 alleged brain‑injury claims.

The X2, a flagship attraction with seats that spin 360 degrees, has been out of service since July. Although the park said the ride passed a series of safety tests, it decided to retire it “because it was the right thing to do”, park president Brian Oerding said.

Law firms representing plaintiffs reported that around 400 people have contacted them alleging injuries they attribute to the ride, with some requiring emergency brain surgery. Dordick Law Corporation described the injuries as “catastrophic” and welcomed the closure, while noting it does not remedy the harm already suffered.

The coaster, originally opened as X in 2002, has a history of design‑related shutdowns and was relaunched as X2 in 2008. It has carried more than 16 million riders, according to the park.

A separate wrongful‑death suit was settled after 22‑year‑old Christopher Hawley died on the ride in 2022. His family expressed relief at the closure but stressed that the tragedy could not be undone, calling for stronger regulation and oversight.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Giulia Botan / Pexels.