Brief
Man killed after being ejected from Six Flags Goliath coaster in Georgia
The fatal incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of U.S. amusement‑park ride safety regulations.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A 42‑year‑old man, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, striking other guests before landing below the ride, according to the Independent.
What happened
The Goliath coaster, operating for two decades, features a 200‑foot (61 m) sheer drop that propels the train to speeds of about 70 mph (112 kph). During the ride, Ibn Kariem was thrown from his seat, collided with other park visitors, and fell to the ground, where he died.
What the report adds
The Independent notes that Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters across six parks in North America as a precaution. Bolliger & Mabdrian, the ride’s manufacturer, said it is “actively investigating the incident and will not comment further until we have a better understanding of what happened.” The article also explains that U.S. amusement‑park rides are regulated by individual states rather than a federal agency, creating a patchwork of oversight.
What was said
Brian Avery, a University of Florida professor and amusement‑ride safety expert, told the Independent, “Who’s watching those in these organizations to ensure that they are adequately trained, that they are compliant, that they are monitoring these rides to the level in which the standards have established?” Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner spokesperson Garrison Bennett said the agency is conducting “an in‑depth and comprehensive review” of the incident.
How it came about
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has introduced legislation aimed at closing a federal loophole that prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from regulating stationary park attractions. The Independent links the incident to broader concerns about inconsistent state standards and calls for stricter national guidelines.
Key facts
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and died. (independent.co.uk)
- Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters across six parks following the incident. (independent.co.uk)
- Bolliger & Mabdrian is investigating the accident and has not released further comment. (independent.co.uk)
- Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is conducting an in‑depth review. (independent.co.uk)
- U.S. amusement‑park ride safety is regulated by states, not federally, creating a patchwork of oversight. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Terrifying safety loophole exposed after man is thrown to death from roller coaster”
