World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Fatal Goliath Accident Renews Questions About Six Flags Ride Safety
A 42-year-old man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta, and several other people were injured.
Six Flags temporarily closed 10 rides in seven states after the accident.
Public records covering more than a dozen parks in three states show ride problems and injuries over the past five years, including a train derailment and faulty restraint bars.
Two investor lawsuits allege Six Flags put off maintenance and repairs before its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair; those claims have not been resolved in court.
Six Flags says it is committed to rigorous inspections and takes reported guest injuries seriously.
The Georgia park is cooperating with state investigators and conducting its own review of the accident.
The findings add to questions about ride safety at the company, after Six Flags permanently closed its X2 coaster last month following reports of serious injuries.
A 42-year-old man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, and several other people were injured.
The accident led Six Flags to temporarily close rides at parks in multiple states.
CNN’s review of records found reports of mechanical failures, faulty restraints and guest injuries at Six Flags parks over the past five years.
Six Flags says it is committed to rigorous safety procedures and takes reported guest injuries seriously.
The accident has renewed scrutiny of the company’s maintenance practices, amid investor lawsuits alleging that it deferred repairs and routine maintenance.
- Who
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died; several other riders were injured.
- What
- He fell from the Goliath roller coaster, and the incident prompted questions about Six Flags’ ride safety and maintenance.
- When
- Monday, during the week of October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta, Georgia.
- Why
- The cause of the fall is not stated. The incident renewed scrutiny of ride safety after reports of earlier malfunctions and injuries.
Six Flags
Critics and investor lawsuits
Safety
Six Flags
Six Flags says it is committed to rigorous ride inspection, maintenance and safety procedures.
Critics and investor lawsuits
CNN’s records review found reports of malfunctions and injuries, while investor lawsuits allege the company deferred maintenance and repairs.
Context
Six Flags
Six Flags says the records span different parks, years, jurisdictions and circumstances, and may not provide full context.
Critics and investor lawsuits
CNN’s review and the lawsuits cite the incidents and alleged maintenance decisions as grounds for scrutiny.
Records reviewed by CNN documented maintenance issues, mechanical failures and guest injuries at Six Flags parks in three states.
Two women riding X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain were rushed into emergency brain surgery six days apart, according to CNN.
Six Flags permanently closed X2 after reports of injuries and a loss of guest confidence in the ride.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell to his death from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, and several others were injured.
Six Flags temporarily closed rides at parks in multiple states following the Goliath accident.
- Victim
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42
- Ride
- Goliath roller coaster
- Park
- Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta
- Temporary closures
- 10 rides in seven states, according to CNN
- Company size
- 30 water and amusement parks in 13 states
- Records reviewed
- More than a dozen parks across three states over the last five years
4 sources
After Six Flags Roller Coaster Death, Critics Call for Federal Oversight
Roller coaster death and injuries leave fans asking whether the thrill is worth the risk
Investigation Finds Hundreds of ‘Injuries and Dangerous Malfunctions’ at Six Flags Before Lethal Goliath Accident
What people are saying
committed to rigorous ride inspection, maintenance and safety procedures that meet or exceed industry standards.
taken seriously
span multiple parks, attractions, years, jurisdictions and circumstances, and may reflect differing state reporting requirements and a wide range of incidents and outcomes.
a comprehensive safety program built on rigorous inspections