Story perspectives

Six Flags closes Goliath after fatal fall, halts coasters

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 2:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Six Flags Closes Goliath

Six Flags Over Georgia closed the Goliath coaster after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell to his death.
Several other riders were injured and evacuated from the Goliath coaster during the incident.
Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar coasters at six U.S. parks as a precaution.
Six Flags reported its investigation found no mechanical failure on the Goliath ride.

Summary

Six Flags Faces Lawsuit

Georgia law imposes an “ordinary care” duty on amusement parks, lower than the “extraordinary diligence” required for mass transit.
Lawyer Daniel Adamson of Dixon-Adamson says Six Flags could avoid liability by proving compliance with state regulations.
Investigators will review maintenance logs and prior safety complaints to determine if Six Flags knew of risks.

Summary

SeaWorld Halts Mako

SeaWorld Orlando halted its Mako hypercoaster, built by Bolliger & Mabillard, citing safety after the Georgia fatality.
Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner launched an in-depth review of the Goliath incident.
Six Flags Over Georgia plans to reopen on Friday, according to its website.
Cobb County Police said investigators are still examining the coaster accident.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enacted the Amusement Ride Safety Standard, mandating nationwide inspections for roller coasters and thrill rides. The rule, backed by Congress, projected a $1.5 billion industry value and required over 1,200 rides to undergo annual certification by 2010. Today Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath tragedy, reviewed by Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, mirrors the 2004 standard’s safety goal. Consequently, regulators may tighten “ordinary care” duties, prompting Six Flags, Bolliger & Mabillard, County Police, and attorney Daniel Adamson to adopt stricter maintenance logs and oversight.

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Six Flags Closes Goliath

Six Flags Over Georgia closed the Goliath coaster after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell to his death.
Several other riders were injured and evacuated from the Goliath coaster during the incident.
Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar coasters at six U.S. parks as a precaution.
Six Flags reported its investigation found no mechanical failure on the Goliath ride.

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