Six Flags to Add Seatbelts to Goliath After 165ft Drop Claimed Life

Rollercoaster safety standards in the United States often rely on lap bars rather than upper-body harnesses, a design choice that has come under renewed scrutiny following a fatal accident.

Six Flags announced on Friday that it will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park. The decision follows the death of a rider who was ejected from the ride earlier this month.

The victim, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was 42 years old. He worked as an educator and was a father. He was riding the Goliath, which features a 165ft drop followed by a second plunge of 180ft. During the descent, Kariem fell from his seat. As he dropped, he struck other cars on the track.

Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the death. In the immediate aftermath, the company temporarily shut down the Goliath. It also closed eight other rides across five different parks.

John Reilly, the chief executive of Six Flags, addressed the incident in a public statement. He wrote that the event deeply affected the company. He stated that safety has always been a fundamental part of the guest experience. Reilly confirmed that the seatbelts will be added to the Goliath. He also said that other coasters using a similar restraint system will receive the same hardware. He did not specify which other rides would be included in this group.

The Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist. This design was produced by Bolliger & Mabillard. The park has also brought in an independent review to examine safety procedures for all of its attractions.

Reilly acknowledged that trust is built through actions. He said the company would continue to communicate its progress and hold itself accountable to its commitments. The statement emphasized the company's resolve to address the safety concerns directly.

The incident in Georgia occurs while Six Faces faces legal challenges regarding another ride. The company is involved in a lawsuit over alleged bodily harm on the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Court documents detail claims from a group of former riders. They say they suffered brain injuries on the X2. They accuse the park of operating a defective coaster and of negligence for keeping it in service.

A recent investigation by CNN reported a long record of brain injuries connected to the X2. The report noted at least two deaths linked to that coaster. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.