Six Flags Over Georgia Incident Prompts Ride Closures
Six Flags Over Georgia incident triggered precautionary coaster closures and state reviews, raising near-term operational risk to attendance and shares.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A fatal roller-coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia killed one person and injured several.
- Six Flags closed nine similar coasters across six parks as a precaution.
- State and local authorities plus the manufacturer opened reviews that could delay reopenings.
HIGH POTENTIAL TRADES SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX
Add your email to receive our free daily newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Six Flags Entertainment said it is cooperating with authorities after a fatal roller-coaster incident on Oct. 12 at Six Flags Over Georgia that killed one person, injured several, and led to precautionary temporary closures of nine similar rides across six parks.
Fatality and Local Account
Cobb County police said officers responded to a roller-coaster incident at approximately 3:58 p.m. ET on Oct. 12. One person died, several others were injured, and detectives from the Major Crimes Unit began investigating. Local reporting identified the ride as Goliath and named the deceased as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42. It reported four injured people and cited witness accounts that a man fell from the ride, though authorities have not confirmed the cause of death. The Goliath roller coaster reaches about 200 feet in elevation and top speeds near 70 miles per hour, according to the company’s website.
Precautionary Ride Closures and Company Response
Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters at six parks in the U.S. and Canada as a precaution. Local reporting listed the affected rides as Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America; Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain; Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure; Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland; Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds; and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island. The company said park personnel and local authorities responded immediately and that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Regulatory and Manufacturer Reviews
The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire said on Oct. 13 it had opened an in-depth review to determine the circumstances and assess compliance with applicable policies and procedures. Bolliger & Mabillard, the Swiss manufacturer of Goliath, said it was actively investigating the incident and would not comment further until it better understood what occurred. Six Flags Over Georgia was operating on a federal holiday under an offseason schedule and was not scheduled to reopen until Oct. 16, 2026.
