Terrifying safety loophole exposed after man is thrown to his death from roller coaster
A fatal accident at Six Flags Over Georgia has prompted a temporary closure of similar roller coasters across North America. The incident has reignited debates regarding the lack of federal oversight for stationary amusement park rides in the U.S.
Why it matters
The tragedy exposes a regulatory gap in amusement park safety, potentially leading to calls for stricter federal legislation.
Bookmark Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
A fatal accident on a Georgia roller coaster, where a rider was thrown from the attraction, has renewed scrutiny around amusement park safety as modern rides push for greater speeds and steeper drops.
Although fatal incidents on roller coasters remain exceptionally rare, authorities in Georgia have disclosed limited information regarding Monday's tragedy. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from his seat while riding the Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, hitting other park guests before landing below the ride.
Operating at the venue for two decades, Goliath uses a sheer drop from 200 feet (61 meters) to reach top speeds of 70 mph (112 kph), focusing on velocity and downhill plunges rather than turning riders upside down through loops or corkscrews.
Also covering this story
17 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
1 dead, several injured in roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia: Police - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
One dead, several others hurt on Six Flags rollercoaster in Georgia
One killed, several injured in Georgia rollercoaster ‘incident’
Six Flags stock falls more than 10% after fatal Goliath roller coaster incident
Florida coasters under scrutiny after death at Georgia Six Flags
Man dies after being thrown from Six Flags rollercoaster in Georgia
One dead and more injured after incident on Six Flags rollercoaster in US
Six Flags Over Georgia: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem identified as man killed on Goliath rollercoaster ride
One dead, several injured in roller coaster incident at Georgia theme park in US
2 roller coasters closed at Canada's Wonderland after someone dies on similar ride in Georgia
1 dead, several injured in incident on Six Flags ride
1 dead, several injured in roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia: Police
One dead and several hurt after rollercoaster incident at Six Flags
Man dies after falling off roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, police and witnesses say
1 dead, others hurt at Six Flags Over Georgia as man fell from coaster, guests say - NBC News
1 Dead, Several Injured In Incident At Six Flags Roller Coaster In Georgia
1 dead, 4 injured in Goliath ride incident at Six Flags Over Georgia
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in