Six Flags Death Widens Coaster Shutdowns
About a dozen coasters across North America are shut after the fatal Six Flags fall.
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Updated Oct 16, 4:26pm ETBoth sides, every morning
The day’s biggest stories and how each side covered them. Free.
What happened
Parks in the United States and Canada temporarily closed 12 roller coasters after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from Goliath at Six FlagsSix FlagsAmerican amusement park company, formed by the merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags Over Georgia and died. He struck other riders as he fell, injuring four people. Nine closed rides were Six Flags coasters with the same manufacturer and similar restraints; other parks began precautionary reviews. The death renewed scrutiny of Six Flags’ safety record and a state-run inspection system for permanent amusement-park rides. Six Flags said it acted out of caution and takes injuries seriously; Bolliger & MabillardBolliger & MabillardSwiss roller coaster manufacturer, known for high-profile thrill rides said it would wait to comment. The park planned to reopen Oct. 16, with Goliath closed while investigators examine how he left his seat.
How each side covered it
From the left
Left-leaning outlets framed the shutdowns around restraint-safety questions and the uneven oversight system for permanent rides. The Boston Globe centered riders who said they had concerns about Goliath’s restraints before the fatal ride. CNN stressed that serious injuries are rare compared with total rides, while noting limits in national data. Vice News pointed to the post-1981 federal oversight gap.
From the right
Right-leaning outlets foregrounded the family’s account, panic and restraint-safety concerns around the fatal ride. The New York Post cited Kariem’s niece saying he had fainted before his latch snapped or came loose. It lingered on the niece’s panic and grief after a day that began as a celebration. The shutdowns were framed as a broader test of restraint safety beyond Georgia.
Headlines
Left6
CNN · Oct 16How safe are roller coasters? What a doctor wants you to know before riding | CNN
The Guardian · Oct 16Family of US man who died on Six Flags ride question if death was preventable
Boston Globe · Oct 16Georgia amusement park to reopen as scheduled days after roller coaster death - The Boston Globe
PBS NewsHour · Oct 16More roller coasters shut down as authorities investigate fatal fall at Georgia amusement park
Vice News · Oct 15The 45-Year-Old Loophole That Keeps Roller Coasters Off the Federal Radar
Center8
Associated Press · Oct 16Georgia amusement park to reopen as scheduled days after roller coaster death
ABC News · Oct 15More roller coasters shut down as authorities investigate fatal fall at Georgia amusement park
Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 16More roller coasters shut down as authorities investigate fatal fall at Georgia amusement park
NewsNation · Oct 15Restraints’ efficacy is vital to Six Flags investigation: Ex-ride mechanic
Gizmodo · Oct 15Investigation Finds Hundreds of 'Injuries and Dangerous Malfunctions' at Six Flags Before Lethal Goliath Accident
Right4
Daily Mail · Oct 16Teacher 'passed out' before falling from Six Flags coaster, niece says
Just the News · Oct 15Six Flags roller coaster rider fainted before his "latch snapped," victim's niece says
New York Post · Oct 16Harrowing final moments of Six Flags parkgoer Hassan Kariem who fell to his death riding Goliath roller coaster: ‘He passed out’
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