Six Flags has initiated a precautionary closure of multiple roller coasters across its U.S. and Canadian parks, including the Goliath ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, following a fatal incident at its park in Georgia. The company stated the closures are temporary and implemented out of an abundance of caution.
The decision comes after one fatality and multiple injuries occurred on Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia. Lisa N. Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, confirmed the incident in a statement. While authorities have not released the specific cause of death, the park closed its Goliath roller coaster subsequent to the fatal event. Witnesses reportedly informed local news affiliate WXIA that a passenger was ejected from the ride's car.
"I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one," Cupid stated, adding that law enforcement would provide further confirmed information. Cobb County police and detectives from the major crimes unit are investigating the incident, which occurred in Austell, Georgia.
In addition to the Georgia Goliath, Six Flags announced the closure of similar rides nationwide. This development occurs weeks after the permanent closure of Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster in September, which had a history of reported injuries, some of which were fatal. The X2 ride was initially temporarily closed in July due to reports of consecutive brain injuries and underwent design modifications and train replacements over its operational history since 2002.
Six Flags Magic Mountain president Brian Oerding stated in September regarding the X2 closure, "While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."
