Six Flags replaces lap bars with seatbelts on Goliath

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park. This decision follows the death of a rider who was ejected from the ride earlier this month.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, fell from the coaster after his restraint failed. The ride features a 165-foot initial drop and a subsequent 180-foot plunge. Kariem struck other cars while falling. Georgia authorities are investigating the death.

CEO John Reilly announced the safety upgrade on Friday. He stated that the incident deeply affected the company and reaffirmed that safety is fundamental to the guest experience. Reilly confirmed that other coasters using similar restraint systems will also receive seatbelts, though he did not list specific attractions.

Goliath currently uses a lap bar design made by Bolliger & Mabillard. This device locks across a rider's waist. The park temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides across five locations following the accident. An independent review of safety procedures for all attractions is now underway.

Reilly emphasized that trust is earned through actions. He pledged to hold the company accountable to its commitments. The Georgia incident occurs while Six Faces a lawsuit over the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Former riders allege the park operated a defective coaster, causing brain injuries. A recent investigation documented a long history of such injuries and at least two deaths linked to X2.

Six Flags closed the X2 coaster permanently in September. Court documents show the plaintiffs accuse the park of negligence for keeping the ride in operation.