Six Flags is implementing major changes to its roller coaster restraints following a fatal accident at its Georgia location.. The company announced it will install seat belts on the Goliath coaster and similar attractions after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died during a ride on October 12.
The limitations of Goliath's waist-only restraint system
Goliath is a high-intensity attraction that reaches speeds of 70 mph and climbs to a height of 200 feet. As the report notes, the ride currently utilizes a waist restraint system but lacks the over-the-shoulder harnesses found on many other high-speed coasters. this design choice is now being reconsidered as the company moves to add seat belts to provide an extra layer of security for riders.
The decision to retrofit the ride comes after maintenance records for Goliath showed a mix of passing grades and noted deficiencies. While the coaster passed its most recent state inspection on March 16, a separate report earlier this year indicated that bushings,which are essential for reducing vibration, required replacement. This history of maintenance needs adds a layer of complexity to the current safety review being conducted by Six Flags.
Cobb County Police and state officials probe the October 12 ejection
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King is currently overseeing an investigation into whether state safety requirements were strictly followed during the incident. The Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit is also assisting state officials in reviewing all equipment and documentation related to the ride. The investigation aims to determine the exact mechanical or procedural cause that led to the ejection of Mr. Kariem.
The incident resulted in multiple casualties, including four other individuals who were injured during the event. According to the Cobb County Police Department, these injuries included four minors. The severity of the accident was underscored by eyewitness accounts describing a chaotic scene at the Six Flags Over Georgia park immediately following the fall.
Eight rides across five parks remain shuttered for safety reviews
Eight additional rides located across five different Six Flags properties are currently closed as part of a company-wide safety audit. Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly stated that the company has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across all attractions. This move is intended to ensure that the safety protocols at all 220 operating roller coasters meet the company's updated standards.
This incident occurs amidst growing scrutiny of the safety protocols at Six Flags theme parks. As CNN reported, recent analyses of safety records from 2016 through 2026 have highlighted various maintenance issues and guest injuries across multiple locations. The tragedy at the Georgia park serves as a grim focal point for a larger conversation regarding the adequacy of waist-only restraints on high-speed coasters.
Did the loose safety bar reported by witnesses lead to the fall?
The investigation leaves several critical questions unanswered regarding the immediate cause of the accident. First, it remains unverified if the safety bar on the empty seat was actually loose, a claim made by witness CiCi Nelson. Second, investigators have yet to confirm if the previously noted need for replacement bushings contributed to the mechanical failure. Finally, while Six Flags has announced its new belt policy, the company has not yet clarified if this will be a permanent hardware change or a temporary measure for specific high-risk models.
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