Six Flags adds seat belts to Goliath coaster after fatal fall
Six Flags will install seat belts on its 200-foot Goliath roller coaster following the death of rider Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem.
A tragic accident on Oct. 12 at Six Flags Over Georgia left 42-year-old teacher Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem dead after he was thrown from the park’s 200-foot Goliath coaster. Witnesses reported he struck multiple coaster cars while falling, and four children sustained non-life-threatening injuries. In response, Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly announced the addition of seat belts to Goliath and similar rides, noting the park remains open but the coaster is temporarily closed for comprehensive safety inspections.
Independent engineers and ride-inspection specialists have been engaged to review procedures across the company’s portfolio, and eight other rides at five parks have been halted “out of an abundance of caution.” Reilly expressed personal responsibility and sympathy for the victim’s family.
Why it matters
The incident prompts industry-wide safety upgrades for high-speed roller coasters.
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