The Mableton-based Six Flags Over Georgia will reopen its gates this Friday evening following a fatal incident on the Goliath roller coaster. The park is resuming operations after the death of 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected from the ride on Monday.
The 18 safety violations recorded since 2016
The Goliath coaster has a documented history of maintenance issues, despite passing its most recent inspection in March. According to an Associated Press review of Georgia state documents, the ride was flagged for 18 different safety violations between 2016 and 2021. These issues included corrosion on welds, loose handrails in the waiting area, and necessary maintenance on grout and padding around the support structure.
While the park has historically corrected these violations within days, the recent fatality has renewed scrutiny of the ride's long-term upkeep. Goliath,which opened in 2006, remains a headline attraction for the park, featuring 200-foot hills and speeds reaching 70 miles per hour. However, the ride will remain closed to the public while investigators determine the cause of Monday's accident.
A pattern of closures for Bolliger & Mabillard coasters
Bolliger & Mabillard, the Swiss manufacturer of the Goliath coaster, is currently facing scrutiny as at least 11 similar rides across North America have been temporarily closed. These closures involve coasters equipped with the same clamshell restraint system used in the Georgia incident. The manufacturer has declined to comment on the specific death in Georgia until they have a clearer understanding of the event.
The reported closures suggest a potential systemic link between these high-profile attractions. As the report indicates, the coasters in question all utilize the same specialized restraint design, which has led to a widespread pause in operations across the United States and Canada. This pattern of closures highlights a growing concern regarding the reliability of these specific mechanical systems during high-speed maneuvers.
The absence of secondary restraints on Goliath
The Goliath coaster in Mableton is notable for its lack of secondary safety restraints, such as seat belts. While the manufacturer's 2001 patent claims the clamshell system provides optimum security while maintaining a "flying carpet" sensation, it does not include a backup mechanism to secure riders. This absence of a secondary restraint is a central point of concern for those examining the fatal ejection.
Witnesses at the park reported seeing Kariem ejected from the coaster,and some riders who had used the ride earlier that day expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of the restraints. The patent for the system specifically notes that most coasters use tight devices that detract from comfort, positioning the clamshell design as a more comfortable, yet supposedly secure, alternative.
What caused the ejection of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem?
Cobb County officials are currently waiting on state investigators to determine the exact cause of the accident before pursuing legal action. Assistant Police Chief Damon Ballard stated that the county will decide whether criminal charges are warranted only after the state completes its findings.. This leaves several critical questions unanswered, including whether the ejection was caused by a mechanical failure or a fundamental flaw in the restraint design.
It remains unclear if the other 11 closed coasters in North America are equipped with secondary restraints or if they share the same lack of backup security found on Goliath. Additionally, investigators have yet to confirm if the ejection was a result of improper use or a failure of the clamshell mechanism itself. Until the state investigation concludes, the safety of the clamshell system remains a subject of intense debate among park patrons and safety experts alike.
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