More tragedy and ride closures at Six Flags.
The theme park chain is temporarily shutting down an additional nine coasters at six parks following the death of a rider who reportedly fell from a ride at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.
While details of the death have not officially been confirmed, local media reports say a rider fell, or was thrown, from the 200-foot, 70-mph Goliath coaster.
Witnesses described a “gruesome scene” to Atlanta NBC affiliate 11Alive, saying the rider hit the coaster several times as he fell. One ride said the falling man was even captured in their souvenir picture that’s automatically taken and offered for sale in the ride’s gift shop. “He was in our pictures,” the witness said. “He fell and hit the car three different times.” Several other riders were also injured, according to police. Two riders said that workers had checked their safety harnesses before the ride started, per protocol.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks,” a Six Flags spokesperson said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities.”
A video, below, shows riders being escorted off Goliath following the incident.
Nine additional rides similar to the Georgia park’s version of Goliath have been temporarily shut down, including Goliath at Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif., Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Ohio.
The news follows Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closing its popular X2 ride last month following two riders suffering brain hemorrhages and many other riders coming forward claiming other injuries. Three people have sued Six Flags and the coaster’s manufacturer over the ride.