NewsKTLA 5October 26, 2026Los Angeles County
Six Flags adds seat belts to Goliath and similar coasters following fatality
Photo: KTLA 5
Six Flags announced it will install seat belts on Goliath and other roller coasters sharing similar restraint systems following the death of 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem at Six Flags Over Georgia. The Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia remains closed during safety reviews, while eight additional rides across five other parks were temporarily closed.
Read the full story at KTLA 5Why It Matters
Park visitors face ride closures and operational adjustments as Six Flags implements new restraint measures across multiple amusement park locations following a fatal incident.
Key Facts
- Six Flags announced the addition of seat belts to Goliath and other coasters with similar restraint systems following a fatal incident.
- 42-year-old school employee Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was killed after being thrown from his seat and striking other riders on the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
- The Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia reaches a top speed of 70 mph on a 4,500-foot track, stands 200 feet tall, and features no inversions.
- The Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia remains closed pending necessary safety reviews and clearances.
- Eight additional rides at five other parks were temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution, including Magic Mountain’s Goliath which has since reopened.
- Six Flags parks remain open, including throughout Halloween weekend.
- Ride operators complete a comprehensive, multi-stage training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supervised, on-the-job experience.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationSix Flags“Amusement park operator implementing safety changes.”OrganizationRoller Coaster Database“Source of roller coaster technical specifications.”locationSix Flags Over Georgia“Amusement park location in Georgia.”PersonHassan Jihad Ibn Kariem“42-year-old school employee killed on the Goliath coaster.”PersonJohn Reilly“President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.”locationMagic Mountain“Six Flags park location with a Goliath coaster that temporarily closed.”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News organization reporting on the incident.”otherGoliath“Roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia where the incident occurred.”OrganizationSix Flags Entertainment Corporation“Parent company of Six Flags parks.”