SIX FLAGS ANNOUNCES MAJOR ROLLER COASTER SAFETY CHANGES AFTER FATAL GOLIATH INCIDENT

The amusement park operator plans to add seat belts to Goliath and other roller coasters with similar restraint systems after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died in an incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. Several attractions remain closed as investigations continue.

Six Flags has announced new safety measures across its amusement parks following the tragic death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, who died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026.

In an announcement published on October 23, Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly confirmed that the company plans to install seat belts on Goliath and other roller coasters with similar restraint systems.

The announcement comes as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, which also left four other riders injured, according to authorities.

The changes are part of a broader review of safety procedures across the company’s attractions.

SEAT BELTS TO BE ADDED TO SIMILAR ROLLER COASTERS

In his message to guests and season pass-holders, Reilly acknowledged the profound impact the incident has had on Kariem’s loved ones and others affected.

He said the company was reinforcing safety precautions and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts to Goliath and other coasters that use similar restraint systems.

The company has also engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to conduct a comprehensive review of safety procedures across its parks.

The review will examine existing practices, with Six Flags stating that it will evaluate the findings and take appropriate action to strengthen its safety standards.

Reilly emphasised that safety must guide decisions involving ride design, daily operations, maintenance and employee training.

He also acknowledged that earning public trust requires action and accountability, rather than assurances alone.

GOLIATH REMAINS CLOSED AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Goliath remains closed while the necessary safety reviews and clearances are completed.

Six Flags also confirmed that eight additional rides across five other parks have been temporarily closed as a precaution.

The closures affect attractions with similar restraint systems while the company reviews its procedures and considers further safety measures.

The parks themselves remain open, and Six Flags said more than 220 roller coasters across its network continue to operate.

No reopening date has been announced for Goliath, and the company has not provided a definitive timeline for the other temporarily closed attractions.

WHAT HAPPENED TO HASSAN KARIEM?

The incident occurred on October 12 at Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton, near Atlanta.

According to Cobb County police, a preliminary investigation indicated that Kariem was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster. Authorities reported that he struck other riders before landing beneath the attraction.

Four other people were injured and taken for medical treatment, according to local news reports.

Kariem was identified as a 42-year-old Atlanta resident and an employee of Wesley International Academy. Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of its school community.

His passing has prompted condolences from colleagues, members of the public and the amusement park company.

Investigators have continued examining the circumstances of the incident. The cause has not been conclusively established in the public updates cited here, and the new safety measures should not be taken as proof of a particular mechanical failure.

OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO EXAMINE RIDE SAFETY

Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is investigating alongside local authorities.

Officials previously said Goliath underwent a state inspection on March 16, 2026, during which inspectors reported no violations or deficiencies. That inspection is now part of the broader review of the incident.

The earlier inspection result does not, by itself, determine what happened on October 12. Investigators must examine the available evidence, equipment and relevant records before drawing conclusions.

Six Flags has said it will continue cooperating with the ongoing investigations and reviewing its safety practices across its attractions.

A WIDER REVIEW ACROSS SIX FLAGS PARKS

The company’s announcement marks a significant step in its response to the tragedy.

Adding seat belts to coasters with similar restraints, temporarily closing selected attractions and commissioning independent specialists form part of its effort to reassess safety procedures.

However, the full implications of the changes will depend on the engineering reviews and the findings of investigators. The company has not yet published a complete timetable for the planned modifications.

For visitors and season pass-holders, the immediate question is when affected rides will be cleared to reopen and what additional measures may follow.

For Kariem’s family and the people affected by the incident, the investigation remains an important part of understanding what happened.

As Six Flags moves ahead with its safety review, Goliath remains closed and the investigation continues. The company says it will share further updates as its work progresses.

Sources: Six Flags official statement, WSB-TV Atlanta, Atlanta News First and CBS News Atlanta. Information reflects reports available as of October 24, 2026.