Investigation Into Fatal Roller Coaster Incident at Six Flags
An investigation is ongoing after a tragic event at Six Flags near Atlanta, where a man fell to his death from the Goliath roller coaster. The victim, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem from Atlanta, was reportedly ejected from the ride, striking other guests before falling beneath the attraction, as stated by the Cobb County Police Department.
Logan Conner, a witness on the same ride, shared with NBC that Kariem appeared to be “levitating in the air sideways” and mentioned making direct eye contact with him. The incident has prompted Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to temporarily close nine other roller coasters across six parks as a precautionary measure.
The shuttered rides include:
- Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America, Illinois
- Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
- Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
- Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds, North Carolina
- Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island, Ohio
- Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland
Authorities have not updated the status of those injured in the incident. A spokesman for Six Flags explained to Nexstar’s NewsNation that closing these rides is a cautious response. The affected roller coasters, except one, were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, a Swiss-based company known for its “innovative lap bar restraint design.”
Bolliger & Mabillard expressed their condolences in a statement and are actively investigating the incident but refrained from further comments until more details are available. They acknowledged the tragedy and extended sympathy to the family and those affected.
Hypercoasters like Goliath, Nitro, and Diamondback emphasize speed, airtime, and scenic views. Goliath in Georgia is noted for its speed of 70 mph, spanning 4,480 feet with a 200-foot elevation. It trails behind other coasters in speed and elevation but is one of the park’s thrilling rides, rated four on Six Flags’ five-point “Thrill Level” scale.
The history of the Georgia park includes several fatalities since 1989. In 2006, a man died on Goliath, likely due to a heart attack. Kariem’s unfortunate accident adds to this somber record.