Six Flags to install seatbelts on 165-foot Goliath after fatal rider ejection
The company will retrofit restraints on Goliath and similar coasters following the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem in Georgia.
By Thomas Obasi ·
Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park after a rider died in an ejection earlier this month.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator, was thrown from his seat during the ride. Goliath features a 165-foot drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. Kariem struck other cars as he fell. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death.
The incident prompted Six Flags to temporarily close Goliath and eight other rides across five parks. Chief Executive John Reilly stated on Friday that the company would add seatbelts to coasters using similar restraint systems. He did not specify which other attractions would be modified. Goliath currently uses a lap bar design manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.
"What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags. Safety has always been fundamental to the experience we provide for our guests," Reilly wrote. He added, "I know trust is earned through actions and not words. We will continue to communicate about our progress and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to you."
The park has also hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all its attractions. This review comes as Six Flags faces legal pressure from other incidents. A lawsuit alleges bodily harm related to the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Court documents claim the park operated a defective coaster and acted with negligence. A recent CNN investigation reported a history of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to X2.
Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. The company continues to manage the aftermath of the Georgia tragedy while addressing ongoing litigation.
