Bolliger&Mabillard News & Analysis

Six Flags (SIX) To Add Seat Belts After Georgia Roller Coaster Death

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (SIX) announced it will install seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster at its Georgia park following a rider's death earlier this month. The company will also add seat belts to other coasters with similar restraint systems, all manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. The fatal incident involved 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was ejected from his seat on October 12. Goliath remains closed while state and local officials investigate. Additionally, Six Flags temporarily closed eight other coasters across five U.S. and Canadian parks that use the same clamshell restraint system. The reopening dates for these rides have not been announced. Six Flags has hired independent engineers to review safety procedures across all its parks. Following the incident, other theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando and La Ronde also closed similar coasters temporarily. Six Flags' action matters to investors because added safety modifications could affect ride availability and operating costs for impacted parks.