Six Flags Roller Coasters Face Scrutiny After Fatal Accident and Injury Lawsuits
Experts warn that "hypercoasters" are becoming riskier, while regulatory oversight and inspection protocols are called into question.
Recent incidents at Six Flags amusement parks, including a fatal fall from a roller coaster in Georgia and ongoing lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries from another ride, have intensified scrutiny on the safety of extreme thrill rides. Experts are raising concerns that the trend toward larger and faster roller coasters, known as "hypercoasters," may be increasing inherent risks for riders.
The most recent tragedy occurred when a father died after falling from Six Flags’ Goliath hypercoaster in Georgia. In response, the park shut down the ride and nine similar attractions across North America. This incident follows the permanent retirement of the X2 coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, which has been linked to over 100 alleged injuries, including two women who reportedly required emergency brain surgery in July.
"They've gotten a little more risky, I would say, over the years," David Bertozzi, president of the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, told The Post. He described an industry push toward making rides "bigger, faster, bigger, faster," which requires meticulous engineering to manage G-forces experienced by passengers.
Beyond mechanical failures, the sheer physical forces exerted on the body during extreme rides can pose risks. Cardiologist Dr. Mark L. Meyer noted that rapid acceleration, abrupt head movements, and adrenaline can significantly elevate heart rate and blood pressure, while sudden maneuvers can strain the neck and spine. Although rare, strokes and intracranial bleeding have been reported after amusement rides, with individuals possessing pre-existing cardiovascular, neurological, or spinal conditions being potentially more vulnerable. A park-goer with a congenital heart condition died on the same Six Flags Goliath ride in 2006 after suffering a heart attack.
Despite these concerns, industry data indicates a rise in reported roller coaster injuries. A National Safety Council report estimated 652 roller coaster injuries across North America in 2024, an increase from 458 in 2023. While the odds of serious injury on a fixed-site amusement ride remain low, experts emphasize that these events are newsworthy due to their relative rarity.
The controversy surrounding the X2 coaster also highlights potential gaps in safety inspection protocols. Amusement rides undergo daily checks by park staff and more comprehensive inspections at intervals determined by manufacturers and state regulations. However, Kathryn Woodcock, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in amusement ride safety, explained that some critical components, like internal structural elements, are not inspected daily. She added that while recurring injuries should prompt investigations into a ride's restraints, design, and movements, parks often investigate complaints internally without public disclosure.
Further complicating safety oversight is the absence of a national regulatory body for roller coasters in the United States. Instead, oversight falls to individual states, leading to a patchwork of safety requirements. While some states have robust inspection programs, others have minimal or no mandatory inspection requirements. In states lacking enforceable regulations, safety inspectors may lack the authority to compel parks to address identified risks.
Legal experts suggest that parks, manufacturers, and maintenance contractors could face liability if injuries result from negligence or defective equipment. "Roller coasters are supposed to scare you, not hurt you," said Michael P. McCready, an attorney specializing in injury law. "People accept the thrill of a roller coaster. They don’t accept negligence."