In brief
A Goliath rollercoaster crashed at Six Flags Over Georgia, killing 42‑year‑old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem and injuring many riders. Witnesses saw the man ejected, hit other guests, and fall beneath the ride. Policing and safety officials are investigating, while Six Flags has temporarily shut nine rides in the US and Canada. The incident adds to a string of recent amusement‑park accidents worldwide, prompting calls for tighter oversight. The park’s spokesperson said they are cooperating with authorities and mourned the tragedy.
Warning: This article contains graphic details.
A deadly incident on the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County, Georgia, left 42‑year‑old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem dead and several riders injured. The crash occurred on Monday evening, just before 4 p.m. local time, as the ride halted midway and riders were pulled off by staff.
Eyewitnesses reported that Mr. Kariem was ejected from the ride, struck other passengers, and subsequently fell beneath the attraction. He was found unresponsive and not breathing. Local police confirmed the preliminary account and are still investigating the cause.
In response, Six Flags announced the temporary closure of nine rides across the United States and Canada as a precautionary measure. The company issued a statement expressing “deep sadness” and extending condolences to the victim’s family.
The incident has attracted the attention of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which is reviewing the park’s compliance with Georgia’s regulations on amusement‑park safety.
Surveys of the scene show that a number of riders had their harnesses checked prior to launch, but eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with a rider’s seat appearing loose and a woman bleeding from a “haunted house” attraction nearby. In one aerial video, a rider is seen dangling over the Goliath track before the crash.
The Goliath ride, which opened in 2006, reaches 200 ft (60 m), drops 170 ft, features a 540‑degree spiral, and reaches speeds up to 70 mph (112 km/h). It is classified as a level four “thrill” ride.
Professor Brian Avery of the University of Florida explained that rollercoasters are regulated by state authorities, not federally, and that safety hinges on harness design, maintenance checks, and operator training. He urged a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies.
The death is the latest in a troubling trend of amusement‑park accidents across the U.S., with recent incidents leading Six Flags to close other rides, such as the X2 rollercoaster at its Magic Mountain park after dozens of riders reported brain injuries.
The park’s spokesperson said its team and local authorities responded immediately, and the city of Mableton’s public safety director is coordinating closely with the police and park security.
Witnesses and nearby park guests shared harrowing accounts of the crash, with some beginning to cry when the sheer danger of the event unfolded in front of them. The event has spurred bipartisan calls for tighter safety oversight across the industry.
