More tragedy and ride closure at Six Flags.
The theme park chain is temporarily closing an additional nine coasters at six parks following the death of a rider who reportedly fell from the ride at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.
Although details of the death have not been officially confirmed, local media reports state that one rider fell from, or was thrown from, the 200-foot, 70-mph Goliath coaster.
Eyewitnesses described a “terrible scene” for Atlanta NBC affiliate 11AliveSaying that the rider hit the coaster several times while falling. One ride said the falling man was even captured in their souvenir photo which was taken automatically and offered for sale in the ride’s gift shop. “He was in our photos,” the witness said. “He fell and was hit by the car three different times.” According to police, several other passengers were also injured. The two riders said that as per protocol, workers had checked their safety harnesses before the ride started.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks,” a Six Flags spokesperson said in a statement. associated Press. “The safety of our guests and team members is one of our top priorities.”
A video below shows riders being taken out of the Goliath after the incident.
Nine additional rides similar to the Georgia park’s version of Goliath have been temporarily closed, including Goliath at Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Ohio.
The news comes after Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closed its popular X2 ride last month after two riders suffered brain hemorrhages and several other riders were claiming other injuries. Three people have sued Six Flags and the coaster’s manufacturer over the ride.