Ride Safety: Six Flags Adds Seatbelts to Goliath Coaster

Visitors to Six Flags parks in Georgia and elsewhere can expect visible changes to ride safety features in the coming weeks. The company announced it will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia location. This move follows the death of a rider earlier this month and signals a broader shift in how the chain approaches rider restraints on similar attractions.

The decision comes after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator, was ejected from his seat on Goliath. The coaster features a 165ft initial drop followed by a second plunge of 180ft. During the ride, Kariem struck the other cars as he fell. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of his death. The incident prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down Goliath along with eight other rides across five different parks.

The timeline of these safety concerns extends back several years. A recent CNN investigation highlighted a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths connected to the X2 coaster at Magic Mountain. This scrutiny intensified when former riders filed a lawsuit alleging that the park operated a defective coaster and showed negligence by keeping it open. The legal battle centers on claims of bodily harm and insufficient oversight of the ride's mechanical integrity.

In response to the growing pressure, Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. This closure was a significant step in addressing the specific hazards identified in the lawsuit and media reports. The company is now using the Goliath incident as a catalyst to review its broader safety protocols. This approach aims to prevent similar accidents from occurring on other coasters that share comparable design elements.

John Reilly, the company's chief executive, addressed the situation in a statement on Friday. He noted that the event deeply affected the team and reaffirmed that safety is fundamental to the guest experience. Reilly confirmed that seatbelts will be added to other coasters that use a similar restraint system, although he did not list specific rides. He emphasized that trust is earned through actions, promising to communicate progress and hold the company accountable to its commitments.

Currently, Goliath relies on a lap bar that locks across a rider's waist, a design produced by Bolliger & Mabillard. To ensure these upgrades are effective, the park has brought in an independent review of safety procedures covering all attractions. This external assessment will help verify that the new seatbelts and other changes meet rigorous safety standards. The company plans to keep the public informed as these modifications are implemented.

For working families and regular visitors, these changes mean a more secure experience on high-speed coasters. The addition of seatbelts provides an extra layer of protection beyond the traditional lap bar. As the independent review concludes and new restraints are installed, guests can look for these updates at Georgia parks and other locations with similar rides. The company remains focused on ensuring that every visitor feels safe while enjoying the thrill of the attractions.