A man has died and others were injured after an incident on a rollercoaster ride at Six Flags in the US. The incident occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County near Atlanta at about 4pm local time (8pm GMT).
Eyewitnesses describe the fall
While the ride involved has not been officially confirmed, eyewitnesses named the 200ft Goliath rollercoaster, saying they saw a man fall from it before he slammed onto the train several times. The tragedy was reportedly captured on the souvenir pictures.
One witness told the local broadcaster WXIA of Atlanta: ‘He fell and hit the car three different times.’ Footage shows the rollercoaster stopped near the top of the ride as people were evacuated onto the steps.
Park response and investigation
Nine similar attractions have been closed across Six Flags parks as a precaution, the company said. A Six Flags spokesperson confirmed that the park team and local authorities ‘responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation.’
They said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.’
Official reactions and ride history
Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Board of Commissioners chairwoman, told Sky News: ‘I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one. We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories.’
The Cobb County Police Department is also investigating the fatal incident. Goliath, which launched in 2006, can reach speeds of up to 70mph and a peak height of 200ft. During its opening year, a man died after he is thought to have suffered a heart attack on the Goliath at Six Flags Georgia, according to the Doan Law Firm. The 45-year-old, who had a hereditary heart condition, is said to have been conscious during the ride but unresponsive when the trains pulled back at the station.
