Six Flags to Add Seatbelts to Goliath Coaster After Fatal Ejection

Six Flags Over Georgia will implement new safety measures, including the addition of seatbelts, to its Goliath roller coaster nearly two weeks after a rider was killed in an October 12 incident. The amusement park announced the changes Saturday.

The hyper coaster will remain closed while inspections and investigations into the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem continue, park administrators said. Kariem, 42, was ejected from the ride and subsequently fell beneath the attraction, according to the Cobb County Police Department. He was reportedly at the park celebrating his niece's birthday.

In addition to the seatbelts, Six Flags stated it has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to conduct a comprehensive review of safety procedures across all of its parks. "We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety," the company said in a statement.

Following the incident, Six Flags had temporarily closed nine similar coasters at its parks nationwide as a precaution. As of Saturday, eight of those coasters remain closed and will also have seatbelts or other restraints installed.

The Goliath coaster, located in Austell, west of Atlanta, reaches heights of 200 feet and speeds up to 70 mph. The ride opened in 2006. The investigation into the incident, which also injured other patrons, is ongoing. The park has not provided an updated timeline for the Goliath's reopening.