A man died, and four other people were injured after an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. Witnesses said they saw a rider fall from the coaster, which stopped high above the ground with riders still on board. Police are investigating, and Six Flags has closed several similar rides nationwide. Here is what we know so far.
What happened
The incident happened just before 4 p.m. on Monday, October 12, at the park in Cobb County, west of Atlanta. Officials confirmed that one park visitor died and four others were injured. The man who died has not been publicly identified, and his injuries have not been officially described.
What witnesses saw
Witnesses who spoke to Atlanta TV stations said they saw a man fall from the Goliath coaster while it was in motion. One woman said he had been riding with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground. Police have not confirmed these accounts.
Riders evacuated
After the incident, the ride stopped with a train of cars near the top of its lift hill. Aerial video showed park workers guiding riders down a stairway along the steep track, four at a time, around 5 p.m. The other injured guests have not been identified.
Police investigation
Officers assigned to the park and patrol officers responded to the scene. Cobb County Police said detectives from its Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Officials have not said what caused the man to fall or whether any equipment failed.
Six Flags responds
Six Flags issued a statement, saying it was “devastated” by the incident and extended its sympathies to the guest’s family and friends. The amusement park chain said its staff and local officials responded swiftly and that they are assisting in the investigation and providing support to guests and employees.
Similar rides closed
Six Flags temporarily shut down nine rides comparable to Goliath across its parks out of an abundance of caution. They’re Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island.
About the Goliath
Goliath opened in 2006 and is one of the park’s best-known attractions. Built by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, it is a hyper coaster that reaches a height of 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph. It has no inversions but features several large hills.
What comes next
Six Flags said it is not releasing additional information out of respect for the family’s privacy. Police have not given a timetable for their investigation. Six Flags has not announced when the rides will reopen, including Goliath and others that were closed.
