Six Flags rolls out seat belts and shuts 8 rides after Hassan Kariem's fatal fall from Goliath

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Six Flags is introducing seat belts on its Goliath roller coaster and other rides with similar restraint systems after a visitor identified as 42-year-old Hassan Kariem died in a fall at Six Flags Over Georgia. 

The company has also temporarily shut eight attractions across five other parks while additional safety checks take place.

CEO John Reilly announced the measures on Friday, October 23, as investigations into the fatal incident continue.

Six Flags enhances ride safety

Reilly said that the company was taking further steps to strengthen ride safety following Kariem’s death. 

Goliath, the coaster involved in the incident, will remain closed until the necessary safety reviews and clearances are completed.

In a statement addressed to park visitors and passholders, Reilly said Six Flags was “reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint.”

Eight more rides at five other parks have also been temporarily taken out of service as a precaution. 

The company has enlisted independent engineers and ride-inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its attractions.

Reilly said the review would cover the company's wider portfolio of rides, with Six Flags committing to examine the findings and make appropriate changes.

“Safety has always been fundamental to the experience we provide for our guests,” he said, adding that maintaining safe operations required ongoing attention.

The CEO also highlighted the training given to ride operators, which includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice and supervised work experience.

He said the company was reinforcing those procedures while reviewing its maintenance and inspection programs.

Despite the closures, Six Flags said its parks remained open for Halloween weekend, with more than 220 roller coasters operating across its network.

Reilly acknowledged that the company would need to demonstrate its commitment through its actions. “I know trust is earned through actions and not words,” he said.

Tragic death of Hassan Kariem

Hassan Kariem was visiting Six Flags Over Georgia with relatives for his niece’s birthday when the outing turned fatal on October 12.

The Atlanta-area charter school where he worked, Wesley International Academy, employed him as an information technology manager.

Cobb County police said early accounts from people who witnessed the incident and park employees suggested Kariem came out of his seat on Goliath, collided with other riders and landed underneath the roller coaster.

Officers arrived to find him unconscious and not breathing. He was subsequently pronounced dead.

People who saw the incident reportedly said Kariem was thrown from his seat as the ride neared the end of its course.

Kariem's family later revealed that he had battled cancer twice and also survived a car fire only weeks before the tragedy.

The circumstances surrounding his fall have since brought the coaster’s restraint system, day-to-day operation and maintenance practices under scrutiny.