A rollercoaster will have safety upgrades after a man died while on the thrill ride earlier this month, the theme park operator has revealed.
Emergency services were called to Six Flags Over Georgia around 4pm on October 12, local time, following reports of an incident relating to one of the theme park’s major attractions, The Goliath rollercoaster.
A man died after he was “ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction”, the Cobb County Police Department said, NBC reported.
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They identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem and several others were injured.
Six Flags chief executive John Reilly released a statement on Friday to announce advanced safety measures on several rides across the chain’s 34 amusement parks in North America.
A 42-year-old teacher was identified as the man who was killed in the horrific rollercoaster accident. Credit: Facebook (Hassan Jihad Kariem)/AAP
He said The Goliath, as well as eight similar rides, would remain closed until they pass safety reviews and clearances.
Mr Reilly said a comprehensive review was underway.
“We have engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to comprehensively review current safety procedures across our entire portfolio of rides and attractions, across all of our parks,” he said.
“We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety.”
While investigations are underway into the terrifying incident, he unveiled some changes to the safety mechanisms.
“We are reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint,” Mr Reilly said.
While the parks remain open, there is currently no timeline on affected rides reopening.
The Goliath rollercoaster, which launched in 2006, advertises itself as a “hypercoaster” on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s website.
Reaching speeds of 136 kmph, the ride is more than 1.3 kilometres in length and features a 77 metre drop.
Mr Reilly paid tribute to Kariem, who was a well-loved school teacher.
“Our hearts remain with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, those injured, and everyone impacted by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia,” he said at the beginning of his statement.
“What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags.”
The incident comes as Six Flags Magic Mountain in California faces multiple lawsuits over alleged brain injuries caused by the X2 rollercoaster, which has been closed since July following the hospitalisation of two riders.
