Amusement park operator Six Flags adds seat belts to Goliath and other roller coasters across North America following the fatal Oct. 12 fall of 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem at Six Flags Over Georgia. The immediate safety upgrade addresses rides that previously relied entirely on lap restraints, directly protecting park guests while investigators and engineers conduct a comprehensive safety review.
Which roller coasters are receiving new restraints?
Six Flags is installing seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster and other rides that utilize similar lap-bar restraint systems. Park officials confirmed that nine coasters built by manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard remain temporarily closed across the United States and Canada while inspections proceed. These closures include attractions at parks in Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and Ontario.
How are theme parks responding to the incident?
As Six Flags adds seat belts to reinforce ride safety, company leadership has retained independent engineers and inspectors to examine all operating procedures. Theme park officials stated that the additional precautions will strengthen existing restraints on high-thrill attractions. Similar precautionary closures occurred at other destinations, including SeaWorld Orlando and La Ronde in Montreal, as technical specialists review restraint designs.
