Following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a man at Six Flags Over Georgia, the amusement park has announced plans to enhance safety measures by adding seat belts to its Goliath roller coaster. The decision comes after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the ride and fell to his death on October 12, 2026.
Six Flags stated that the implementation of seat belts is part of a broader initiative to improve safety across all its attractions. In a press release, John Reilly, the company’s president and CEO, emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “I know trust is earned through actions and not words. As CEO of Six Flags, I take that responsibility personally.”
In light of the incident, Goliath remains closed, along with several other rides across different parks, to ensure thorough safety assessments are conducted. Six Flags has not yet provided details on when these rides will reopen or which specific attractions are currently closed.
In response to the tragedy, the company is collaborating with independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review existing safety protocols across its entire portfolio. This proactive step aims to prevent future incidents and ensure visitor safety.
Witnesses reported that during the incident, Kariem’s body struck other riders before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction. The incident at Six Flags Over Georgia is not an isolated case; earlier this year, the theme park faced legal issues when riders on another coaster claimed they sustained serious injuries.
As of now, Six Flags has over 220 roller coasters still in operation, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for its guests. The company has promised to communicate its progress regarding safety improvements moving forward.
Photo credit: David Bohrer
