Six Flags says it continues cooperating with ongoing investigations
Six Flags said Friday it will reinforce safety precautions and employee training nearly two weeks after a man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12. The announcement came nearly two weeks after the incident at the park near Atlanta.
Six Flags said it continues to cooperate with ongoing investigations into the fatal accident. President and CEO John Reilly said the company has hired independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures at all its parks.
Reilly said the company would install seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and other rides with similar restraints.
Witnesses said the man was ejected from a roller coaster car and struck parts of the ride several times as he fell. Cobb County police said several other people were injured in the incident.
“Our hearts remain with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, those injured, and everyone impacted by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia,” Reilly said in a statement.
Six Flags said the reinforced training would include procedures for operating and maintaining rides. Goliath remains closed pending safety reviews and clearances, along with eight other rides at five Six Flags parks that were temporarily shut down as a precaution.
“Safety guides every decision we make, from the design and operation of our attractions to the training and procedures our teams follow every day,” Reilly said.
The Goliath roller coaster opened in 2006 and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph.
“I know trust is earned through actions and not words,” Reilly said. “As CEO of Six Flags, I take that responsibility personally.”