Coaster Safety: Six Flags Adds Seatbelts to Goliath

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The change follows the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected from his seat earlier this month. Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator, fell from the ride's first drop of 165 feet. He struck other cars on the track during the fall. The ride also features a second plunge of 180 feet.

The company temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides at five different parks following the incident. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death. Goliath currently uses a lap bar restraint system designed by Bolliger & Mabillard. This mechanism locks across a rider's waist but does not include an over-the-shoulder belt.

John Reilly, the chief executive of Six Flags, announced the new safety measures in a statement on Friday. He said the company would also add seatbelts to other coasters that use a similar restraint system. Reilly did not name the specific rides that would receive the upgrades. He noted that safety is fundamental to the guest experience.

The park has hired an independent reviewer to examine safety procedures for all its attractions. Reilly said he knows trust is earned through actions, not words. He promised to keep communicating about progress and to hold the company accountable to its commitments.

This incident occurs while Six Flags faces a lawsuit over the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders alleges they suffered brain injuries and accused the park of negligence. A recent investigation by CNN found a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths connected to that coaster. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.