Fatal Incident Reported at Six Flags Over Georgia
The Cobb County Police Department is currently investigating a fatal incident that occurred at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park, located approximately 24 kilometers from Atlanta. Authorities confirmed that 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died during the incident.
Investigation and Park Response
While officials have not officially specified which attraction was involved, aerial footage captured by news helicopters showed the Goliath roller coaster stopped mid-ride, with park staff assisting passengers. Lisa Cupid, chair of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, stated that detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the event.
In response to the tragedy, Six Flags announced the temporary closure of nine rides across six of its parks in the United States and Canada as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for the park expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, noting that the park is cooperating fully with local authorities.
Witness Accounts and Details
According to reports by the BBC, which cites local media and witness statements, some individuals reported seeing a man ejected from the ride. These details have not been independently verified by the BBC. Other witnesses described scenes of distress among passengers, with some claiming to have seen an empty seat with an unlocked safety bar upon the ride’s return to the station.
The Goliath roller coaster, which opened in 2006, is a major attraction at the park, reaching speeds of 112 km/h and heights of 61 meters. The park maintains a safety rating system, classifying the ride as a level four out of five on its thrill scale.
Broader Context
This incident follows recent safety concerns at other Six Flags locations. Just weeks prior, a park in Southern California closed its X2 roller coaster following reports from over 100 individuals alleging brain injuries related to the ride. Six Flags stated at the time that while the ride had passed safety tests, they chose to retire it as a precautionary measure.