Six Flags CEO orders seatbelts for Goliath after rider death

Six Flags announced on Friday that it will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park, a direct response to a fatal accident that occurred earlier this month. The ride currently uses a lap bar designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, which locks across the rider's waist.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, was ejected from his seat during a ride. The coaster features a 165-foot drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. As Kariem fell, he struck other cars on the track. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death.

In a written statement, Chief Executive John Reilly said the incident deeply affected the company. He confirmed that the same restraint upgrade will apply to other coasters using a similar system, though he did not list the specific rides. Reilly noted that safety is fundamental to the guest experience.

Following the fatal fall, the park temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides across five different locations. The company has also engaged an independent firm to review safety procedures for all its attractions. Reilly stated that trust is earned through actions rather than words and that the company would continue to communicate its progress.

This safety overhaul comes as Six Flags faces a lawsuit regarding the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Court documents indicate that former riders accused the park of negligence for keeping a defective coaster in operation. A recent investigation by CNN reported a history of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to that attraction. Six Flags permanently closed X2 in September.