In brief
On Monday morning, a fatal incident unfolded on the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia when a 42‑year‑old patron was reported ejected from the ride and subsequently found unresponsive beneath the track. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with riders screaming as the coaster stalled midway, and photographs taken automatically by the ride’s cameras captured the moment. The Cobb County Police Department confirmed the victim, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, and preliminary findings suggest he was thrown from the coaster, striking other passengers before falling. Six Flags has temporarily shut down nine rides across North America as a precaution, while the state’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire begins an investigation into compliance. The incident adds to an ongoing pattern of safety concerns at the park, following recent reports of brain injuries linked to other Six Flags attractions.
Warning: Graphic details disclosed.
On Monday morning, a 42‑year‑old Atlanta resident, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, lost his life after an alleged ejection from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Witnesses, captured on helicopter footage, report the ride stalled halfway up its 200‑foot drop and riders were assisted off by park staff.
Cobb County Police said the incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time. Officers discovered the victim unresponsive beneath the track, with no breathing. The department’s statement cites preliminary witness and employee testimony that Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling.
Six Flags has announced a temporary shutdown of nine attractions across the United States and Canada as a precautionary measure. The company expressed deep sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest's family, friends, and loved ones.”
Local authorities, including the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, are reviewing the incident to ensure full compliance with Georgia’s safety regulations. The park’s Goliath ride, opened in 2006, boasts a 170‑foot plunge, a 540‑degree spiral, and speeds up to 70 mph. It sits at level four on Six Flags’ thrill scale.
Amusement‑ride safety remains largely state‑regulated, with federal oversight limited. University of Florida professor Brian Avery explained that design must contain riders while flirting with perceived danger. “We design these rides to flirt with danger, but we’re not actually putting people in danger,” he said.
The incident follows other Six Flags safety concerns, including the recent retirement of the X2 rollercoaster after over 100 riders reported brain injuries. The office of the mayor of Mableton has confirmed coordination with local police and park security.
This tragedy marks at least the seventh fatal incident at a Six Flags park, according to the Doan Law Firm, which tracks amusement‑park accidents. The firm represents victims and their families seeking accountability.
For additional updates, follow the official Six Flags social media or contact the Cobb County Police Department. Share your witness account here.
