Man thrown from Georgia roller coaster in fatal accident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 22:20 · Archive

A man was ejected from the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia and died on Monday.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from his seat on the Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, striking other park guests before landing below the ride. The incident proved fatal.

The Goliath has operated at the venue for two decades. It features a 200-foot drop and reaches speeds of 70 mph, prioritising velocity and steep descents over inversions. Following the death, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters across North America as a precautionary measure. The ride's manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, said it is 'actively investigating the incident' but would not comment further until gaining a better understanding of what happened.

The accident has raised questions about amusement park safety regulation. In the United States, roller coasters and other attractions at major theme parks are exempt from federal regulation, leaving oversight entirely to individual state governments. Critics contend this has created an inconsistent patchwork of laws, with some states maintaining rigorous standards whilst others enforce little to no oversight. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has introduced repeated legislation to close what he describes as a 'loophole' that allows federal inspection of mobile rides but bars the Consumer Product Safety Commission from regulating stationary park attractions.

How it is being reported

• The safety questions facing America's roller coastersA deadly incident at Six Flags in Georgia is raising new questions about roller coaster safety. Experts say inconsistent safety standards and a so-called roller coaster loophole limit federal oversight of amusement park rides. Skyler Henry reports.CBS News · 15 Oct, 22:08
• Terrifying safety loophole exposed after man is thrown to his death from roller coasterA man's death on a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia has raised questions about ride safety and regulationIndependent World · 15 Oct, 05:47

In this story: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem · Six Flags Over Georgia · Ed Markey · Bolliger & Mabillard · Georgia · Massachusetts

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