In the wake of a tragic fatal fall, Six Flags is implementing a significant safety upgrade by adding seat belts to several of its roller coasters, including the Goliath ride where Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected on October 12th. The 42-year-old rider was reportedly thrown from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia despite the ride’s lap restraints, prompting immediate investigations and the closure of eight other Six Flags coasters with similar restraint systems across the U.S. and Canada. Witnesses described seeing Kariem rise from his seat before his fatal ejection, with some earlier riders also expressing concerns about the restraints. The affected coasters all utilize restraint systems manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, designed to provide a sense of freedom while ensuring security. John Reilly, President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment, confirmed the decision to add seat belts as an additional safety measure, though the company has not yet specified which other coasters will receive the upgrade or when the currently closed rides will reopen. This incident has led to a broader safety review, with independent engineers and inspectors enlisted to examine procedures across Six Flags parks, and has also prompted temporary closures of similar rides at other theme parks like SeaWorld Orlando.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
