Goliath Coaster to Receive New Seatbelts After Fatal Fall

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park. The change follows the death of a rider who fell from the attraction earlier this month.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, was ejected from his seat during a ride. The coaster features a 165-foot drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. Kariem struck other cars on the track as he fell.

The incident prompted the company to temporarily close Goliath. It also suspended operations on eight other rides across five additional parks. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death.

John Reilly, the company’s chief executive, confirmed the safety upgrade in a statement on Friday. He said seatbelts will also be added to other coasters that use a similar restraint system. He did not specify which rides would be included. Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks across the waist, a design made by Bolliger & Mabillard.

The park has also hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all its attractions. Reilly noted that the company will continue to share updates on its progress. He stated, "I know trust is earned through actions and not words."

The death occurs while Six Flags faces a lawsuit over alleged bodily harm on the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Court documents claim the park operated a defective coaster and kept it running despite negligence. A recent CNN investigation linked a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths to that attraction. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.