Six Flags to Add Seatbelts to Goliath Rollercoaster Following Fatal Incident

Six Flags has announced plans to introduce additional safety measures on its Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, following the death of a rider earlier this month. The move could also affect other rollercoasters across the operator’s North American theme parks.

The announcement is an important development for thrill-seekers planning visits to US theme parks, with several attractions temporarily closed while safety reviews and investigations continue.

What happened on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia?

On 12 October 2026, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta, Georgia.

Police said the rider was ejected from the attraction and struck other guests before falling beneath the ride. Several other people were injured in the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal incident remain under investigation, with authorities examining what happened and whether safety requirements were followed.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, the ride’s most recent state inspection in March did not identify any violations. Investigators have yet to establish the cause of the incident.

Seatbelts to be added to Goliath

Six Flags president and chief executive John Reilly announced that additional safety precautions would be introduced, including seatbelts on Goliath and other rollercoasters with similar restraint systems.

Goliath previously used a lap-bar restraint system, which holds riders securely in their seats during the ride.

The company has also commissioned independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its portfolio of attractions.

The review is intended to help identify any further measures needed to strengthen ride safety.

However, the announcement does not mean investigators have established that the existing restraint system caused the fatal incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Which other rollercoasters could be affected?

The incident has prompted wider precautionary action across Six Flags’ North American parks.

Eight additional rollercoasters at five other parks were temporarily closed alongside Goliath for safety reviews. The affected attractions use similar restraint systems.

The closures have implications for visitors planning holidays around some of North America’s major thrill rides, particularly those travelling specifically to experience certain rollercoasters.

Visitors should check official park websites and attraction availability information before travelling, as reopening dates and any further modifications may depend on inspections and regulatory clearance.

Six Flags has not provided a complete confirmed list of every attraction that will receive additional restraints or a timetable for all the changes.

What is Goliath like?

Goliath opened at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2006 and is one of the park’s major thrill attractions.

The rollercoaster reaches approximately 200 feet in height and can reach speeds of around 70mph. Its large drops and high-speed sections have made it a prominent attraction for thrill-seekers visiting the park.

Six Flags Over Georgia remains open, but Goliath is closed while the investigation and safety reviews continue.

Anyone planning a visit should check the park’s official website for the latest operating information before setting off.

What does this mean for UK travellers visiting US theme parks?

For British holidaymakers planning a trip to the United States, the announcement is a reminder that ride availability can change following unexpected incidents or safety inspections.

If a particular rollercoaster is a major reason for visiting a theme park, it is worth checking its operating status shortly before travelling. This is especially important for visitors purchasing tickets in advance or planning a multi-park holiday.

Travellers should also remember that temporary ride closures do not necessarily mean an entire theme park is closed. Other attractions, entertainment and facilities may continue operating as normal.

For anyone planning a wider US theme park holiday, checking official park updates before each visit can help avoid disappointment and make it easier to adjust an itinerary if necessary.

Safety review continues

Six Flags has said it will take the findings of its independent reviews seriously and consider further action where necessary.

The investigation into Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem’s death remains ongoing, and no definitive explanation for the incident has yet been established.

For now, the key development for visitors is the planned introduction of seatbelts on Goliath and similar rollercoasters, alongside additional safety reviews across the company’s attractions.

UK Theme Park Spy will continue to follow developments as further information becomes available.

Planning a US theme park holiday? Check attraction availability and official park announcements before travelling, particularly if there are specific rides you want to experience.

Sources: Associated Press reporting, ABC News and Atlanta News First, published 24–25 October 2026. Information is correct at the time of writing and may change as the investigation progresses.