Six Flags adds seatbelts to Goliath after rider falls from 165ft drop

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park after a rider died in a fall earlier this month. The decision follows the ejection of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, from his seat on the ride.

Kariem was thrown from his position during the 165-foot drop and struck other cars on the track before falling. The incident prompted Georgia authorities to open an investigation into the death. Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides across five parks following the accident.

John Reilly, the company's chief executive, confirmed the hardware change in a Friday statement. He said seatbelts would be added to other coasters that use the same restraint design, though he did not list which specific attractions would be modified. Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks around the waist, a system built by Bolliger & Mabillard.

Reilly noted that the company hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all attractions. He stated that trust is earned through actions rather than words and promised ongoing communication about the company's progress.

The death occurs while Six Faces handles legal challenges regarding its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders filed a lawsuit alleging the park operated a defective coaster and showed negligence by keeping it open. Court documents describe claims of brain injuries and a history of at least two deaths linked to X2.

Six Flags permanently shut down the X2 coaster in September. The company remains responsible for addressing the lawsuit while implementing the new safety measures on Goliath.