Six Flags Roller Coaster Death Sparks Federal Oversight Push
The six flags roller coaster death of a 42-year-old man thrown from the Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia has reignited demands for federal oversight of amusement parks, with critics arguing that the current patchwork of state rules leaves riders unprotected.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta was ejected from his seat on Monday on the Goliath — a coaster known for its 200-foot drop and 70 mph top speed — before striking other guests and landing below the ride. Four other people were reported injured. The ride, built by Bolliger and Mabillard, had operated at the park for two decades. Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters across North America out of an abundance of caution, and detectives with the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit are leading an active investigation.
No Federal Regulator for Fixed Rides
Roller coasters and other attractions at major US theme parks sit outside federal regulation; oversight falls entirely to individual states. Critics say that has produced an inconsistent patchwork, with some states enforcing strict standards and others enforcing almost none.
The split traces back to a 1981 budget law that limited the Consumer Product Safety Commission to mobile rides such as traveling carnivals, leaving fixed-site attractions to the states. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has repeatedly introduced legislation to close that loophole and bring stationary rides under federal oversight. Amusement ride safety experts, including University of Florida professor Brian Avery, agree that national standards are overdue.
Family Mourns a Gentle Giant
Kariem spent 12 years teaching children robotics and problem solving. His cousins described him as a kind, helpful man everyone loved — a gentle giant who loved Atlanta and Six Flags. He was visiting the park Monday with his partner, her daughter and her niece.
The ride manufacturer said it is actively investigating the incident and will not comment further until it has a better understanding of what happened. Six Flags said the ride had consistently passed safety tests. Deaths on roller coasters remain exceptionally rare in the United States.
Source: The New York Times