Six Flags is installing seat belts on its Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia following the Oct. 12 death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta teacher.
Kariem fell from the 200-foot-tall ride and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police and witness accounts indicate he was ejected from the speeding attraction. Four children on the ride sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
At the time of the incident, riders on the Goliath coaster were secured by padded lap bars. Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly announced Friday that the company will add seat belts to the Goliath coaster and other rides with similar restraints.
"What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags," Reilly said in a press release. "We are reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint."
Six Flags has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review safety procedures across its parks. The Goliath ride is currently closed pending safety reviews. Additionally, eight other rides at five different Six Flags parks have been temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure.
"Our hearts remain with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, those injured, and everyone impacted by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia," Reilly stated.