In response to a tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily suspended operations of its Mako roller coaster. This decision follows the unfortunate death of a guest who fell from the Goliath coaster at the Atlanta-area amusement park.
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On Monday, 12 October, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem lost his life after being ejected from the Goliath ride. Reports from the Cobb County Police Department suggest that he struck other patrons during his fall before landing beneath the attraction itself. Eyewitness accounts revealed that his son was riding next to him at the time of the incident, while his wife and daughter were not present and were unaware of the unfolding tragedy.
Following this incident, SeaWorld Orlando announced the closure of its Mako roller coaster, which was also designed by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. The hypercoaster, which opened to the public in 2016, is notable for being the tallest and fastest ride in Orlando, with speeds reaching up to 73 mph and climbs of 200 feet. In a statement, the SeaWorld spokesperson conveyed the park’s condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved in the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia.” However, no timetable has been provided for when Mako may reopen.
The Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, which debuted in 2006, features similar specifications, soaring up to 200 feet with speeds of approximately 70 mph. The incident has raised safety concerns across the amusement park industry, leading Six Flags to enact additional measures. A representative for the park expressed their sorrow regarding the event, offering condolences and confirming psychological support for affected guests and staff members.
In a precautionary move, Six Flags Over Georgia opted to temporarily close nine other coasters across six of its parks following the incident. This includes popular rides such as Diamondback and Orion at Kings Island in Ohio, as well as Fury 325 and Thunderstrike at Carowinds in North Carolina. Notably, among the closed attractions, all but one were designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, highlighting the potential for heightened scrutiny of rides produced by the manufacturer.
Bolliger & Mabillard, known for its esteemed reputation in the amusement park industry, has announced that it is currently investigating the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding it. The company has refrained from making further comments until a clearer understanding of the event emerges. Their attractions are widely regarded, including notable rides like Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Candymonium at Hersheypark.
Hersheypark officials also took the opportunity to express their sympathies while emphasising the distinct construction of each individual ride, despite sharing the same manufacturer and ride type as the coaster involved in the Georgia incident. “Information about what happened in Georgia, and why, is not yet available,” commented a Hersheypark representative. They assured guests of their commitment to prioritising safety and would be consulting with industry experts and the coaster’s manufacturer moving forward.
As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances of the incident at Six Flags, the temporary closures of these rides serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with thrilling amusement park attractions. Safety remains a paramount concern, as parks evaluate existing protocols and prepare for the potential reintroduction of rides once thorough investigations have been concluded.
While the closure of rides is a necessary precaution, it also underscores the profound impact that such incidents have on families and communities. The sentiments surrounding Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem’s untimely death have reverberated beyond the confines of the park, affecting not just those present at the tragic event, but also the broader theme park industry. As it stands, both SeaWorld and Six Flags are committed to addressing safety concerns following this heartbreaking event, awaiting further clarity from ongoing investigations.