Six Flags has announced plans to install seatbelts on nine of its rollercoasters following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a father in Georgia. The decision comes after Hassan Kariem, 42, fell from the Goliath rollercoaster at the theme park in Austell on October 12, resulting in his untimely death and injuries to four other riders.
The accident occurred when Kariem’s clamshell safety bar came unlatched, causing him to be ejected from his seat next to his niece, Navi, who was celebrating her 13th birthday at the park. CEO John Reilly issued a statement expressing the park’s sorrow over the incident and emphasizing their commitment to enhancing safety measures.
‘What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags,’ Reilly stated, indicating the park’s commitment to reinforce safety protocols, including the addition of seatbelts on the Goliath and other rides with similar safety features.
To address safety concerns, Six Flags is consulting with independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to evaluate current safety standards. Reilly assured that the park is dedicated to acting based on the findings to further improve safety culture and practices.
As part of the safety upgrades, the Goliath ride remains closed while a safety review is ongoing. All other rides receiving seatbelts have also been temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure.
Joshua Nelson, Navi’s father, reflected on the incident, describing his late brother-in-law’s excitement to share his favorite ride with his niece. While he considers the tragedy a ‘freak accident,’ he also voiced concerns about whether it could have been prevented.
Witnesses reported hearing a ‘clicking’ noise from the restraints prior to the ride’s launch, leading to multiple checks by park staff. As investigations into the causes of the accident continue, authorities are scrutinizing the ride’s lap bar restraints, locking mechanisms, and safety sensors.
The distressing event has sparked a wider discussion regarding safety measures at amusement parks, with many hoping that the upgrades will help prevent future incidents.
A spokesperson for Six Flags conveyed their condolences to Kariem’s family and confirmed the park’s full collaboration with local authorities during the investigation.
Editor’s Take
This development is critical in highlighting the importance of safety in amusement parks, especially after a tragic incident. The decision to install seatbelts not only reflects a commitment to rider safety but may also influence industry standards moving forward. With increasing scrutiny on ride safety, this action could serve as a benchmark for other parks, ensuring that visitor welfare remains a top priority.
Source: www.dailymail.com
