Death of Roller Coaster Rider Raises Safety Concerns at Amusement Parks

The death of a man who was ejected from a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia has raised concerns about the safety of amusement park rides that have become faster and steeper. On Monday, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old school employee from Atlanta, was thrown from his seat while riding the Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, hitting other patrons before landing below the ride. The Goliath features a drop from 200 feet (61 meters) and reaches speeds of 70 mph (112 kph). Despite the incident, deaths on roller coasters remain rare, according to officials. Following the incident, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters across North America for safety precautions. The ride's manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, is investigating the incident. In the U.S., roller coasters and rides at major amusement parks are not federally regulated, with oversight falling to individual states. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has proposed legislation to address what he describes as a regulatory loophole that allows for oversight of mobile rides but not stationary ones. Brian Avery, an amusement ride safety expert, emphasized the need for more federal regulations to ensure safety standards are met. Georgia's Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident. The amusement park industry follows ASTM standards for ride safety, and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance. In 2024, the rate of serious injuries per million roller coaster rides was reported at 1.27, with most injuries attributed to guest behavior. Experts noted that the Goliath's design includes safety features such as a reliable restraint system. Previous incidents at amusement parks have led to changes in safety protocols. In California, the state Department of Industrial Relations oversees ride approvals and inspections, while Florida's largest theme parks are exempt from state inspections. Arizona does not have a state-level agency for amusement park ride regulation, relying instead on private inspections.