NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County
Six Flags to add seat belts to Goliath roller coaster after fatal fall in Georgia
Photo: WSVN 7 News Miami
Six Flags announced it will install seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster and similar rides following a fatal fall at Six Flags Over Georgia earlier this month. The ride remains closed pending safety reviews, while independent engineers and state authorities investigate the incident.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
Park visitors face temporary closures of multiple rides across several parks and changes to restraint systems following a fatal incident and ongoing safety investigations.
Key Facts
- Six Flags will install seat belts on Goliath and other roller coasters with similar restraints following a fatal fall.
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta resident, died after falling from Goliath on October 12 at Six Flags Over Georgia.
- Four minors and several other parkgoers were injured during the incident, according to police.
- Goliath and eight other rides at five additional Six Flags parks remain temporarily closed during safety reviews.
- Six Flags has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its attractions.
- Goliath reaches speeds of 70 mph, a height of 200 feet, and features a waist restraint without an over-the-shoulder harness.
- Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King and Cobb County police are investigating whether state safety requirements were followed.
- Goliath passed annual state safety inspections from 2016 through 2026, with its most recent inspection on March 16 reporting no violations.
- A separate inspection report earlier this year noted that bushings on Goliath needed replacement.
- Six Flags Over Georgia recently reopened for its annual Halloween Fright Fest events while Goliath remained closed.
Who's Mentioned
locationSix Flags Over Georgia“Amusement park location in Georgia.”OrganizationCable News Network, Inc.“Publisher of the news article.”OrganizationCobb County Police Department“Law enforcement agency investigating the incident.”OrganizationWSB“CNN affiliate reporting on inspection reports.”OrganizationCNN“News organization reporting on the incident.”OrganizationTime Warner Company“Parent or associated company referenced in copyright.”otherGoliath“Roller coaster where the fatal incident occurred.”PersonCiCi Nelson“Witness interviewed by CNN.”OrganizationSix Flags“Amusement park operator announcing safety changes.”PersonJohn Reilly“Six Flags President and CEO.”PersonHassan Jihad Ibn Kariem“Individual who died following a fall from the roller coaster.”PersonJohn King“Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.”