Homicide detectives and state ride inspectors launched a full-scale safety investigation following a fatal ejection on a roller coaster in Austell, Georgia.
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit swarmed the Goliath ride area at Six Flags Over Georgia shortly before 4:00 p.m. Monday.
Officers secured the perimeter beneath the 200-foot-tall steel structure after finding 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Kariem dead on the ground.
Preliminary findings revealed Kariem slipped out of his seat while the train was navigating the track, hitting other riders before falling to the earth.
Inspectors from the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire arrived on site to examine the ride’s restraint mechanisms, lap bars, and braking systems.
In response to the tragedy, Six Flags corporate executives temporarily shut down nine similar hypercoasters across six different theme parks nationwide as a precautionary measure.
Theme park representatives issued a statement offering condolences to Kariem’s family while confirming their complete cooperation with state and local authorities.
Engineers and forensic investigators remain at the Austell property analyzing mechanical data to determine how the mechanical restraint failed to keep the rider secured.
Leave a Reply