Fatal ejection on Six Flags Georgia coaster leads to shutdown of additional rides across the region
A 42‑year‑old man identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, resulting in his death and injuries to several other riders. Six Flags immediately closed the Goliath ride and halted nine similar coasters at six of its parks. The park then shut down ten additional coasters in the region, nine of which are Bolliger & Mabillard models that use comparable front‑mounted clamshell restraints that investigators suspect may be faulty.
The incident caused Six Flags' shares to tumble more than 16%, falling to under $10, the lowest closing price since 2009. Authorities from Cobb County Police and Georgia’s safety commission are investigating the accident.
How this was covered
- Coverage peaked at 7 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The death and subsequent ride closures raise safety concerns about restraint systems on popular roller coasters and affect park visitors and investors alike.
How this story developed
- Oct 12 Guest dies after falling from Six Flags Over Georgia's Goliath coaster, park evacuated
- Oct 13 Investigators have said the cause of the incident is still under review.
- Oct 13 Reports differ on whether the coaster involved was the park’s Goliath ride.
- Oct 13 Six Flags halted nine coasters at six parks, indefinitely closed the Goliath coaster at Magic Mountain, and its shares fell more than 16%.
- Oct 16 Ten additional coasters in the region were shut down following the Georgia incident.
