A man aged 42 lost his life on a roller-coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after being ejected from his seat, hitting other visitors before landing beneath the ride, as per police reports on Tuesday. Spectators at the Atlanta park witnessed the tragic incident on Monday, leading Six Flags to temporarily shut down nine similar roller-coasters nationwide. Authorities, alongside a ride inspection agency, are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s fall, focusing on potential issues with his restraints.
The victim, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a school employee from Atlanta, met his demise while riding Goliath, the park’s tallest roller-coaster boasting a first hill of 61 meters. Eyewitness Nick Mendenhall described the unsettling sight of the man appearing suspended in mid-air as the coaster car moved beneath him. Subsequently, the man fell headfirst back into the coaster before being thrown off on the final turn.
Goliath, prominently towering at 61 meters above the entrance of Six Flags Over Georgia, features a layout of hills and turns without any seat belts. Riders are secured by lap bars that lower over their legs and waist, offering a different experience from the world’s most extreme coasters in terms of height and speed.
The incident prompted the closure of nine roller-coasters at various North American parks similar to the one in Georgia, as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The company is extending support to guests and staff affected by the distressing event.
In a related development, Montreal’s La Ronde amusement park announced the temporary closure of its Goliath roller-coaster pending updates from the manufacturer. The roller-coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, operational since 2006, reaches speeds of around 113 km/h and elevations of 61 meters, offering riders a thrilling journey through sharp turns and towering hills.
Lisa Cupid, chair of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the park’s significance to the county’s tourism. The tragic incident has left an indelible impact on visitors and staff, raising questions about safety measures at amusement parks. The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is conducting a comprehensive review of ride inspections in response to the incident.
This unfortunate incident marks at least the seventh fatality at the Georgia park, highlighting the gravity of safety concerns in the amusement park industry. It follows recent legal actions against Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, which retired its X2 roller-coaster amid lawsuits alleging severe brain injuries. The park settled a wrongful-death lawsuit last year, underscoring the ongoing safety challenges within the theme park sector.
