Local
Georgia reviewing Goliath records after fatal Six Flags ride incident
State investigators are examining the Goliath roller coaster, its operation and safety records after a 42-year-old man was killed and four minors were injured. Georgia’s last inspection of the ride was March 16, when no violations or deficiencies were reported, officials said.
Georgia regulators are conducting a full investigation of Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath roller coaster after a fatal incident that killed a 42-year-old man and injured four minors.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is examining the ride, how it was operated and relevant inspection, permitting and incident records, Commissioner John F. King said Thursday. The review is intended to determine what led to the incident and whether the park met state safety requirements.
The agency’s most recent inspection of Goliath took place March 16, King said. Inspectors reported no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags at that time, he said. The findings of that inspection do not resolve what happened during the later incident, which remains under investigation.
The man killed was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42. The coaster was taken out of service after he was ejected from the ride. Georgia regulations require a ride involved in an accident causing a death or serious injury to remain closed until the state completes its investigation, King said.
The state will decide after the review whether and how Goliath may return to service. King said regulators would take action authorized under Georgia law if they find violations or failures to meet safety requirements.