Six Flags has temporarily closed nine rides across the US after a person died and several others were injured in a roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday (12 October).
Officials have not said how the person died, but witnesses told local media they saw a man falling from the park's Goliath coaster.
Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Goliath opened in 2006 and boasts an elevation of 200 feet, a 170-foot plunge, and speeds of up to 70 mph.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” Six Flags Over Georgia said in a statement.
Investigation into death
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
The Cobb County Police Department said it has launched an investigation into the fatality, while a Six Flags spokesperson said the park and local authorities responded immediately, and that the operator is fully cooperating on the investigation.
Nine coasters across six other Six Flags parks have been temporarily closed “out of an abundance of caution”, a Six Flags spokesperson said (via CNN).
The incident at Six Flags Over Georgia comes just weeks after Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced it would permanently close its X2 coaster.
X2 coaster lawsuits
The park is facing three lawsuits from guests who allege they suffered brain injuries after riding the attraction.
More than 100 additional people have told attorneys that they intend to pursue claims alleging brain injuries after riding X2 during the past two years, according to lawyers representing the riders.
Park president Brian Oerding said in a statement: "While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do.
"Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."
