Six Flags announces new safety measures for Goliath coaster following rider death

Six Flags Plans Added Restraints for Goliath After Fatal Georgia Ride Incident

Cyberzenhub.com – Six Flags will add new safety features to the Goliath roller coaster at its Georgia park after a rider died in an October incident, with seatbelts among the measures planned for the attraction.

The ride at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, west of Atlanta, remains closed while the company continues its inspection and investigation. The park’s decision comes nearly two weeks after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was killed after falling from the coaster on Oct. 12.

Goliath is one of the park’s largest attractions, rising 200 feet and reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. The coaster opened in 2006 and previously used lap-bar restraints. Six Flags said seatbelts will now be installed as part of the planned changes.

Investigation Continues as Ride Stays Closed

Kariem was visiting the park with family members for his niece’s birthday celebration. He was seated next to his niece when he was ejected from the coaster, a relative said.

The Cobb County Police Department described the event as one in which Kariem was “ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.” Other people were injured during the incident, and the investigations involving park officials and police remain active.

Kariem was an IT manager, teacher and robotics coach at an Atlanta school. His death prompted the indefinite closure of Goliath while officials examine both the ride and the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Six Flags has indicated that reopening will not occur until the ongoing review is complete. The company has not provided a reopening date for the Georgia coaster.

Review Will Extend Beyond One Attraction

The company said its response will involve more than changes to Goliath itself. Independent engineers and ride-inspection specialists have been brought in to review safety procedures throughout Six Flags’ rides and attractions at all of its parks.

“We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety,” Six Flags said in a statement.

The broader assessment is intended to examine current practices across the company’s amusement park portfolio. While the review is underway, Six Flags has also taken action involving other roller coasters with similar designs.

Following the fatal Georgia incident, the company temporarily shut down nine comparable coasters as a precaution. One of those rides is Nitro at Great Adventure in New Jersey. As of Saturday, eight of the nine similar rides were still closed.

Six Flags said those eight coasters will receive seatbelts or other restraint modifications before returning to service. The company has not detailed which alternative restraints may be used on every affected ride or announced individual reopening schedules.

What the Changes Mean for Park Visitors

For riders, the announcement means Goliath’s eventual return will include an additional restraint beyond the lap bar previously used on the attraction. Seatbelts can provide an extra layer of securement while ride operators and guests complete loading procedures before dispatch.

The decision also highlights the wider effect that a serious incident at one attraction can have across an entire park system. Even rides that were not involved in the Georgia event have been removed from operation while Six Flags considers whether their restraint systems or procedures should be updated.

Goliath’s closure remains particularly significant for Six Flags Over Georgia because the coaster is among the park’s most prominent high-speed rides. Its large lift hill and major drops make it a visible part of the Austell park’s skyline, but the attraction will remain unavailable to guests until the company determines it can safely resume operation.

The company’s review is occurring alongside the law-enforcement investigation into Kariem’s death. No final determination on the circumstances of the incident has been announced. Until those inquiries are completed, the focus remains on examining the ride, reviewing safety practices and carrying out the restraint changes Six Flags has outlined.

Visitors planning trips to Six Flags Over Georgia or to parks with similar coasters may find ride availability affected while the work continues. The closures and upgrades reflect a precautionary approach as the company evaluates what further changes may be needed across its attractions.