One dead, several injured after Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath coaster incident; company halts rides and shares tumble
A 42‑year‑old man, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, died after falling from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, and several other riders were injured. The accident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Columbus Day, prompting park staff to shut down the ride and evacuate patrons using an emergency staircase. Six Flags subsequently halted nine coasters at six of its parks and announced the indefinite suspension of the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. The company’s shares fell more than 16% to under $10, their lowest closing price since 2009, while officials pledged full cooperation with investigators and the cause of the fall remains under review.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
- Coverage peaked at 7 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The fatal accident raises safety concerns for high‑speed amusement rides and has triggered a sharp financial impact on Six Flags.
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%.
