Six Flags has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six theme parks following a fatal incident on a ride in Georgia that also left a number of people injured.
Authorities have yet to reveal how the individual died, nor the extent of the injuries sustained by others or their current condition following the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Atlanta.
Investigation launched
The major crimes unit of Cobb County Police Department has launched an investigation.
Rides at parks with similarities to the coaster in Austell, Georgia, have been shut down "out of an abundance of caution", a Six Flags Entertainment Corporation spokesperson confirmed, adding that staff and local authorities responded swiftly and that the park is cooperating fully with the inquiry.
"We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today," the spokesperson said, noting that the company is providing support to those affected, including guests and employees.
Coaster details
Neither the authorities nor Six Flags have identified the specific roller coaster involved. Local television stations, however, aired footage showing passengers being evacuated from the Goliath coaster.
Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70mph and stands 200 feet tall, according to the park's website. Over the course of three-and-a-half minutes, riders "navigate through razor-sharp turns and soar over colossal hills", the website states.
Official response
Lisa Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that the next of kin of the deceased have been notified.
"I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one," Ms Cupid said. "We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories."
Ms Cupid emphasised that the park represents a vital component of the county's tourism sector, attracting visitors from across the South East.
Previous incidents
This death represents at least the seventh fatality at the Georgia attraction, including a 2006 incident in which a man experienced what was thought to be a heart attack while on the Goliath coaster, according to the Doan Law Firm, which monitors theme park incidents and offers legal representation for victims.
The tragedy comes shortly after Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California announced, less than a fortnight ago, the retirement of its famous X2 roller coaster amidst legal claims alleging serious brain injuries connected to the ride.
The park settled a wrongful-death case filed by relatives of a 22-year-old man who died following a ride on the coaster in 2022. A 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries the previous year after riding a high-speed roller coaster at the Universal Epic Universe theme park in Florida. His death was subsequently ruled accidental by the authorities.
