Six Flags CEO orders lap bars replaced with seatbelts on Goliath

Six Flags Chief Executive John Reilly announced on Friday that the company will replace the lap bars on its Goliath rollercoaster with seatbelts. This decision follows the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator from Georgia, who was ejected from the ride earlier this month. Reilly stated that the safety changes will extend to other coasters using a similar restraint system, although he did not list specific attractions.

Kariem was riding Goliath when he fell from his seat. The ride features an initial drop of 165 feet followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. As he fell, he struck other cars on the track. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. The company temporarily closed Goliath along with eight other rides across five different parks following the crash.

The Goliath currently uses a waist-locking lap bar design manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. Six Flags has also hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all its attractions. In a message to guests, Reilly acknowledged the impact of the tragedy and committed to holding the company accountable for its safety standards. He noted that trust is earned through actions rather than words.

The death occurs while Six Flags faces legal pressure over another attraction. A group of former riders is suing the company for alleged negligence and bodily harm related to the X2 coaster at Magic Mountain. Court documents claim the park kept the defective ride in operation. A recent investigation by CNN linked the X2 to a long history of brain injuries and at least two deaths. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.