Safety Retrofit: Six Flags Replaces Goliath Lap Bars With Seatbelts

Six Flags will replace the lap bars on its Goliath rollercoaster with seatbelts following the fatal ejection of a rider at its Georgia park. The change comes after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, fell from the attraction earlier this month.

Kariem was ejected from his seat during a run that includes a 165-foot drop and a subsequent 180-foot plunge. As he fell, he struck other cars on the ride. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death, prompting the company to temporarily close Goliath and eight other rides across five parks.

Chief Executive John Reilly announced the restraint change on Friday. He stated that seatbelts will also be installed on other coasters using a similar restraint system, though he did not identify which specific rides are included. Goliath currently uses a lap bar design manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.

Reilly wrote that the incident deeply affected the company and that safety remains fundamental to the guest experience. The park has also commissioned an independent review of safety procedures for all its attractions.

The accident occurs while Six Flags faces a lawsuit over its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Former riders allege they suffered brain injuries due to negligence and a defective coaster. A recent CNN investigation reported a long history of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to that attraction.

Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. Reilly said the company will continue to communicate progress and hold itself accountable to guests.