Six Flags makes major change to keep visitors safe after roller coaster death

Six Flags makes major change to keep visitors safe after roller coaster death Six Flags said it has brought in independent engineers and ride safety experts to review safety procedures throughout its parks - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Six Flags is keeping nine roller coasters closed as it reviews ride safety and introduces new precautions across its parks following a fatal incident earlier this month. The amusement park operator announced Friday that it will add seat belts to Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and other coasters with similar restraint systems. The changes come after Atlanta Public Schools teacher Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was killed after being ejected from Goliath on October 12. Four other riders were injured in the incident, which remains under investigation. “Safety also depends on the dedicated teams who operate and maintain our attractions every day. Our ride operators complete a comprehensive, multi-stage training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on training and supervised, on-the-job experience, with additional instruction and evaluation provided as necessary,” John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, said in a statement Friday. “We remain focused on reinforcing these practices and supporting our employees in their responsibility to put safety first,” he added. Six Flags said it has hired independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its parks. “We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety,” Reilly added Friday. The nine coasters temporarily closed, according to ABC News, are: - Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois - Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey - Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California - Behemoth and Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario - Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina - Diamondback and Orion at Kings Island in Ohio All but one of the affected coasters were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, a Swiss roller coaster design company that has built rides for Six Flags and amusement parks worldwide since 1988, ABC News reports. The fatal Goliath incident and ride closures also come weeks after Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closed its X2 roller coaster amid multiple lawsuits alleging the ride caused severe brain injuries, including fatal cases. The cases include a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of Christopher Hawley, 22, who died from a brain injury a day after riding X2 in June 2022. His family reached a settlement with Six Flags. Other riders reportedly suffered brain bleeds requiring emergency surgery. More than 100 additional people have sought legal representation over injuries allegedly linked to the ride, according to attorney Gary Dordick, KTLA reported last month. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] NKLESTE O0S OFFUN FOR THRILLS GUts Souenr's