Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced that it will install seat belts on its Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, as well as on other coasters with similar restraint systems, following the death of a rider who was ejected from the ride earlier this month. The company’s president and CEO, John Reilly, stated that additional safety precautions are being reinforced across all Six Flags parks.
The incident occurred on October 12, when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old resident of Atlanta, fell from the Goliath coaster. Witnesses reported seeing Kariem eject from his seat, striking other patrons before falling beneath the attraction. Several other parkgoers, including four minors, were also injured in the incident. The Goliath roller coaster remains shut down as state and local officials conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatality.
In response to the tragedy, Six Flags has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to conduct a comprehensive review of safety procedures across its entire portfolio of rides and attractions. Reilly emphasized the company’s commitment to evaluating the findings of these reviews and implementing appropriate actions to further strengthen safety standards and its culture of safety.
Goliath, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and a height of 200 feet, features a waist restraint but does not have an over-the-shoulder harness. The addition of seat belts signifies a notable change to the ride’s restraint system. The investigation into Kariem’s death is ongoing, with authorities examining maintenance records, restraint systems, and electronic data.
In addition to the Goliath coaster in Georgia, Six Flags has temporarily closed eight other roller coasters at five parks in the U.S. and Canada that share the same manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, and a similar restraint system. The company has not yet specified when these coasters are expected to reopen.
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is leading the state’s investigation, working in conjunction with Cobb County police and local public safety officials. While the police department is handling the law enforcement aspect, the commissioner’s office is conducting its own thorough investigation into amusement ride safety and regulatory compliance. Preliminary findings from witnesses and employees at the scene indicated that Kariem had been ejected from the ride.
A review of inspection reports for the Goliath roller coaster revealed that it had passed annual state safety inspections, with the most recent one in March reporting no violations. However, a separate inspection report earlier this year noted that certain components, known as bushings, which help reduce vibration, required replacement. The roller coaster manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, has stated that it is also investigating the incident.
Six Flags has a comprehensive safety program that includes rigorous inspections, highly trained team members, and adherence to industry-leading standards. Ride operators undergo extensive multi-stage training, encompassing classroom instruction, hands-on drills, and supervised on-the-job experience. The company also collaborates with independent third-party ride inspection firms, state ride inspectors, and its own corporate engineering and safety professionals.
The company’s CEO has stated that safety is fundamental to the guest experience and that Six Flags is committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure the well-being of its patrons. The investigation aims to determine whether all applicable state safety requirements were met and to provide answers to the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem.
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