A 42-year-old man tragically lost his life after being ejected from a major roller coaster at the Six Flags amusement park in Georgia, prompting the temporary shutdown of nine similar rides across North America.
Fatal Incident on the Goliath Roller Coaster
According to Cobb County police, Six Flags roller coaster accident victim Hassan Jihad Ibn Karim, a resident of Atlanta, was found dead beneath the ‘Goliath’ roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on the 12th. Based on witness and employee statements, police stated that Karim appeared to have been thrown from the ride, collided with other passengers, and fallen below.
The accident occurred just before 4 p.m. that day, and several people were reported injured in the process. The exact number and condition of the injured parties have not been publicly disclosed.
Witnesses told ABC News that Karim slipped out of his seat and struck the roller coaster structure multiple times before falling to the ground. Some witnesses reported that the moment was even captured on the amusement park’s commemorative souvenir photos.
Safety Investigations and Temporary Ride Closures
Opened in 2006, Goliath is a massive roller coaster reaching a maximum height of 200 feet and a top speed of 70 mph.
Karim worked as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy under Atlanta Public Schools. The school district mourned him as a “valued member of the school community” and stated that his impact on students and faculty will long be remembered.
The Cobb County Police Department and the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident. Six Flags stated that park staff and local authorities responded immediately and are fully cooperating with the investigation, adding deep condolences to the family and friends.
Bolliger & Mabillard, the manufacturer of Goliath, also announced that it has launched an independent investigation. As a precautionary measure, Six Flags has temporarily suspended the operation of nine similar hypercoasters located across six of its North American amusement parks.
