Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six theme parks in the United States and Canada. This decision follows a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia, involving the Goliath roller coaster on Monday, October 12, 2026, which resulted in the death of a 42-year-old man.
Authorities identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta. He worked as an educator at Wesley International Academy. According to preliminary interviews by the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, witnesses and park employees reported that Kariem was ejected from the Goliath coaster, struck other riders, and fell beneath the attraction. Several other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific conditions of the injured victims or the precise mechanical or operational cause of the ejection.
List of Temporarily Closed Roller Coasters
Following the tragedy, Six Flags suspended nine similar hypercoasters and giga coasters across its North American properties out of an abundance of caution. The company has not provided a scheduled reopening date. Investigations by local law enforcement and the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire remain active.
- Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, Georgia)
- Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois)
- Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California)
- Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey)
- Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, Ontario)
- Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, Ontario)
- Fury 325 at Carowinds (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Thunder Striker at Carowinds (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Orion at Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)
- Diamondback at Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)
Industry Response and Manufacturing Details
Most of the suspended rides are steel hypercoasters or giga coasters manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). This Swiss-based roller coaster design firm has supplied major attractions globally since 1988. In an official statement, Bolliger & Mabillard expressed deep sadness over the accident and confirmed they are cooperating with authorities.
The sole exception among the closed Six Flags rides is Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain, which was manufactured by the now-defunct Swiss company Giovanola. Additionally, unrelated amusement parks have taken precautionary measures. Montreal’s La Ronde temporarily closed its own B&M hypercoaster named Goliath for a safety review, and SeaWorld Orlando temporarily shut down its Mako roller coaster.
Corporate Impact and Financial Fallout
The incident has sparked renewed conversations regarding ride safety and restraint systems across the amusement park industry. In the wake of the Monday afternoon tragedy, shares of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation fell more than 10 percent in after-hours trading. The stock dropped from a regular session close of $11.92 down to approximately $10.69 by Monday evening.
Investigators continue to collect evidence, review automated onboard camera footage, and inspect safety harnesses. The park system and regulatory agencies are working to determine what led to the fatal ejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia?
The exact cause remains under active investigation by the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and state safety officials. Preliminary findings indicate the victim was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.
Who was the victim identified in the incident?
Authorities identified the man who died as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta, an educator at Wesley International Academy.
Why did Six Flags close nine other roller coasters?
Six Flags shut down nine similar hypercoasters and giga coasters across its parks in the U.S. and Canada as a precautionary measure during safety reviews and investigations.
Are all the closed roller coasters made by the same manufacturer?
Most of the affected rides were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). However, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain was built by Giovanola.
Have the closed roller coasters reopened?
No reopening dates have been announced by Six Flags, pending the completion of comprehensive safety evaluations and official investigations.
