Six Flags plans added restraints after Georgia coaster fatality

Goliath and eight other rides remain closed during the accident investigation

Goliath and eight other rides at five of Six Flags’ parks remain closed as the investigation into the accident continues, the company’s letter to guests and passholders said. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died earlier this month after he fell from the Goliath. Investigators believe he was ejected from his seat, and four other passengers were injured.

The Georgia coaster was touted as a “steel monster” when it first opened two decades ago. It reaches a height of 200 feet and speeds up to 70 miles an hour.

In its market display, The Wall Street Journal listed Six Flags under the ticker FUN as down 6.49%.

Six Flags said late Friday that it plans to add seat belts to some of its roller coasters after the deadly incident this month at its Georgia theme park. In a letter to guests and passholders, Chief Executive John Reilly said the additional restraints would be added to the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and similar rides at the company’s other parks. Those rides already feature “clamshell” lap bars to keep guests in their seats.

Six Flags is also hiring independent engineers and ride-inspection professionals to review safety procedures across all its rides, Reilly said. “We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety,” he said.

Before the accident, Six Flags had faced scrutiny over the safety record associated with another of its attractions, the X2 coaster at its Magic Mountain park in Southern California. Multiple lawsuits alleged that the coaster caused serious brain injuries. Six Flags permanently closed that ride last month.

The company had said before this month’s death that ride reliability, keeping rides from breaking down, was a focus of its efforts to improve operations and boost profit. During a recent earnings call with analysts, Reilly said the company had invested more in repairs and maintenance at certain parks in a bid to increase guest satisfaction.

The announced response spans new restraints, an independent review of safety procedures and continued closures as the accident investigation continues. The investigation has not concluded.