Six Flags Permanently Closes X2 Roller Coaster After Brain Injury Lawsuits

Six Flags has permanently closed the X2 roller coaster at its Magic Mountain park in Valencia, California, following allegations of serious brain injuries sustained by riders. The permanent closure was announced Tuesday, after three lawsuits filed in late September alleged that riders suffered brain injuries on the X2. Attorneys involved in the lawsuits indicated that more than 100 individuals have come forward with similar claims.

In a blog post, Magic Mountain president Brian Oerding stated that while the ride consistently passed safety tests, the decision to close X2 was made because "we believe it's the right thing to do." He emphasized that ride safety is a cornerstone of the company's business and that guest confidence is taken seriously.

The X2, which opened in 2002, was a two-minute thrill ride reaching speeds of up to 76 miles per hour. It featured a "fifth-dimension wing" design where seats rotated 360 degrees independently of the track. The ride was temporarily closed indefinitely in July after two women were hospitalized with subdural hematoma, or bleeding on the brain, within days of each other. One woman underwent emergency surgery and spent two weeks unconscious, relearning to walk and talk. The other remained in a coma.

The roller coaster's history of incidents has been a subject of scrutiny. A CNN investigation in August highlighted the ride's long record of incidents, including at least two deaths. Allegations of brain injuries linked to X2 date back to at least 2009, when a 62-year-old man claimed to have suffered a brain bleed. The following year, a 28-year-old woman died on the ride, with medical experts suspecting a rupture of a congenital vascular abnormality in her brain.

Experts note that the intense forces generated by extreme roller coasters can affect the brain. According to Lyndia Wu, an associate professor specializing in the mechanics of brain injuries, the brain's low rigidity makes it susceptible to shearing and twisting during rapid acceleration, deceleration, and changes in direction. These forces can stretch brain tissue and blood vessels, increasing the risk of concussions and bleeding. The head's movement and acceleration can differ from overall body acceleration, posing additional risks.

Medical professionals also point out that children are at a higher risk for roller coaster-related injuries due to their smaller size, disproportionately larger heads, and less developed neck strength. "The head and neck are functionally a bowling ball on a toothpick," stated Dr. Michael McDowell, an associate professor of neurosurgery. "A high energy turn on a roller coaster can snap the head in a direction which stretches the neck beyond the normal limits."

Brian Avery, a faculty member specializing in legal and risk management in the entertainment industry, commented that while roller coasters are designed for enjoyment, serious injuries are a significant concern for the industry. He suggested that research into brain injuries in sports like football might offer insights for improving roller coaster safety, recommending thorough reviews of ride designs and operations.