165ft Drop: Six Flags Adds Belts to Goliath

Six Flags plans to install seatbelts on its Goliath rollercoaster at the Georgia park after a rider died earlier this month. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was a father and educator. He was ejected from his seat during the ride. The coaster features a 165-foot drop followed by an 180-foot plunge. Kariem fell and struck the ride's other cars.

The fatal incident prompted Six Flags to temporarily close Goliath. The company also shut down eight rides across five other parks. Georgia authorities opened an investigation into the death. The park hired an independent reviewer to examine safety procedures for all attractions.

John Reilly, the company's chief executive, wrote in a statement on Friday that the event deeply affected the team. He stated that safety is fundamental to the guest experience. Reilly announced that seatbelts will be added to other coasters using a similar restraint system. He did not specify which rides are included. Goliath currently uses a lap bar design made by Bolliger & Mabillard.

Reilly said trust is earned through actions rather than words. He promised to communicate progress and hold the company accountable. The company faces a lawsuit over alleged bodily harm involving the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A recent CNN investigation found a record of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to that coaster. Former riders accused the park of negligence for keeping the defective ride operating.

Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September. The Goliath retrofit is scheduled to follow the independent review of safety procedures. The company will continue to update guests on the installation timeline.