Six Flags planned to add seatbelts to its Goliath coaster after a rider’s fatal fall
Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly said the company will install seat belts on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and coasters with similar restraints. The move follows the Oct. 12 death of 42-year-old Atlanta rider Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected. Goliath remains closed during the investigation; independent engineers and ride inspection specialists will review safety procedures.
More context
John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, announced Friday that Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, along with coasters using comparable restraints, will be fitted with seat belts. The announcement came less than two weeks after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta died after being ejected from his seat on the ride on Oct. 12. Goliath remains closed while state and local officials investigate, and investigators have not said what went wrong. Witnesses said they saw Kariem rise from his seat and fall headfirst back into the cart before being ejected. Some people who rode the coaster earlier that day said they had concerns about its restraints. Reilly said the company has also engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its attractions.
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Reporting
- CNN — Six Flags signals Goliath roller coaster will reopen — with seat belts — after fatal fall at Georgia park | CNN
- PBS News — Six Flags says it will install seat belts on Georgia roller coaster after rider's death | PBS News
- ssbcrack.com — Six Flags to Add Seat Belts to Roller Coaster Following Fatal Incident
- twaslnews1.twaslnews.com — Six Flags Says it Will Install Seat Belts on Georgia Roller Coaster after Rider's Death
Verifier’s note
The results report that Six Flags plans to add seat belts to Goliath after a rider died in a fall earlier this month. CNN and the AP report provide direct coverage of that announcement.