Six Flags Seat Belts: Roller Coaster Safety Update 2026

Six Flags is adding seat belts to three high-speed roller coasters after a fatal accident at Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta killed a 42-year-old rider on October 12, 2026. The company announced the safety update on October 23, as investigators continue to examine why Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta was ejected from the Goliath coaster and struck other passengers, injuring four people, including four minors.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the largest regional amusement park operator in North America, with 34 properties and 47.4 million guests in 2025. The company merged with Cedar Fair on July 1, 2024, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FUN.

What happened on the Goliath roller coaster?

The Goliath hypercoaster reaches 200 feet (61 meters) and speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h). Police say Kariem rose from his seat during the ride, fell headfirst into the cart, and was then thrown from the train. Witnesses described a loose-looking lap bar. The ride uses individual lap-bar restraints without over-the-shoulder harnesses. Georgia's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire and Cobb County police are investigating; no official cause has been released. Goliath remains closed.

The roller coaster safety standards in the United States have come under renewed scrutiny after this incident, which was not the first safety concern involving Six Flags rides.

Six Flags seat belts and coaster closures

Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly said the company will install seat belts on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois. The belts are an additional layer on top of existing lap-bar restraints. "We are adding seat belts as an extra precaution across rides that use similar restraint systems," Reilly said in a statement to guests and passholders.

Six Flags also temporarily closed eight other coasters at five parks in the U.S. and Canada as a precaution. All nine rides were built by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard and use similar clamshell-style restraints. The company has hired independent engineers and inspection specialists to review safety procedures, and it has not announced reopening dates.

The move follows amusement park maintenance oversight concerns raised by CNN, which reported public documents and court records showing past allegations of train derailment, defective restraints, and guest injuries at Six Flags parks.

Affected coasters

Past safety issues and lawsuits

In September 2026, Six Flags was sued by visitors who reported brain injuries after riding the X2 coaster; the company has since closed that ride. A March 2026 state inspection of Goliath found no violations, but a report noted a worn shock absorber/bushing that reportedly needed replacement. Six Flags says employees who operate attractions are trained in classrooms and on site, and that Goliath passed its annual inspection.

Impact on parks and riders

Despite the closures, Six Flags parks remain open, with more than 220 coasters operating during the Halloween weekend. SeaWorld Orlando briefly closed and has since reopened its Mako coaster, which uses comparable restraints, while Montreal's La Ronde also closed one coaster. Industry analysts say the theme park safety regulations could face tighter enforcement if investigators find a systemic problem.

FAQ: Six Flags roller coaster seat belts

Why is Six Flags adding seat belts to roller coasters?

Six Flags is adding seat belts as an extra safety measure after a rider was ejected and killed from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026. The belts supplement existing lap-bar restraints.

Which Six Flags coasters are getting seat belts?

Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America will receive seat belts. Eight other coasters at five parks are temporarily closed.

Is the Goliath roller coaster open?

No. Goliath remains closed while Georgia authorities and Cobb County police investigate the fatal October 12, 2026 accident. Six Flags has not set a reopening date.

What caused the Goliath accident?

The official cause has not been determined. Police say the 42-year-old rider was ejected and struck other passengers; witnesses reported a loose-looking lap bar. Independent engineers are reviewing safety procedures.

Are other Six Flags parks open?

Yes. Six Flags parks remain open with more than 220 operating coasters. Only the nine affected rides are closed.