Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced it will tear down its X2 rollercoaster, an attraction that has hosted more than 16 million visitors, following a CNN investigation that linked the ride to deaths, comas, and injuries.
Ride’s history and safety concerns
The X2 coaster, described as a “rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil,” rotates passengers 360 degrees independently of the track while reaching speeds near 80mph. It is one of only three four-dimensional rollercoasters worldwide.
The ride has been associated with two deaths and multiple injuries over the last two decades, according to the report. One man died, and numerous others suffered serious injuries.
Park president’s statement
Brian Oerding, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President, published a statement on the park’s official website addressed to the “Six Flags Community,” revealing the ride’s future.
“After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2,” the statement said. “Since X2 opened in 2008, it has welcomed more than 16 million guests and earned a passionate following among ride enthusiasts. We recognize the special place X2 holds in the coaster community, and we are grateful to our team members who operated and maintained it throughout its run.”
“While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it's the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously,” the statement continued.
Fan reactions and next steps
Enthusiasts took to social media to express their reactions. One X user wrote: “Loved X2 ever since I was a kid, I used to get an annual pass all the time and whenever I would go to Magic Mountain with my friends we would always go on X2 at night it just hit different than going on it during the day.” Another commented: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I at least got to ride it last year 5 times. Thank you @SFMagicMountain for one amazing ride of a life time.” A third questioned: “By retire you mean you guys are gonna make x3 right? ? ? ? ?”
The ride’s manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, went bankrupt more than two decades ago. ReachPLC has contacted California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the body overseeing amusement park rides, for a response.
