Six Flags to add seatbelts to Goliath coaster after fatal crash

Six Flags has announced that seatbelts will be fitted to its Goliath roller‑coaster and similar rides following the death of a 42‑year‑old man on the attraction in Georgia.

In a letter to customers sent late on Friday, CEO John Reilly said the company is reinforcing safety measures across its 34 North‑American parks, which operate more than 220 roller‑coasters. Goliath, which opened in 2006 and features a 200‑ft (60 m) height, a 170‑ft plunge and speeds of up to 70 mph, will remain closed while safety reviews are carried out.

Reilly added that eight other rides at five parks are also being shut as a precaution, and that independent engineers and ride‑inspection specialists have been hired to examine safety procedures throughout the chain. The company will act on the experts’ findings and provide progress updates.

The fatal incident occurred on 12 October when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, police said. Four other passengers were injured. Reilly expressed condolences to the victim’s family and those affected.

Previous incidents

Six Flags noted that this is not the first serious injury at its parks, citing deaths in 2011, 2013 and 2022 on other rides.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Александр / Pexels.