Six Flags Adds Seat Belts
Six Flags will add seat belts to Goliath after a rider's fatal fall in Georgia.
October 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 24, 8:26pm ET
CNNSix Flags signals Goliath roller coaster will reopen — with seat belts — after fatal fall at Georgia park
UPISix Flags to add seat belts to roller coasters after death in Ga. park
New York PostSix Flags making change to ‘Goliath’ coaster after dad fell to his death from 200-foot ride
The GuardianSix Flags to reopen Goliath rollercoaster – but now with seatbelts after recent rider death
ABC NewsSix Flags announces new safety measures for Goliath coaster following rider death
Daily MailSix Flags adds important safety feature after teacher died
PBS NewsHourSix Flags says it will install seat belts on Georgia roller coaster after rider's death
BBC NewsSix Flags adding seat belts to some rollercoasters following death
TownhallHere's What Six Flags Is Doing Following the Tragic Accident in Georgia
NBC NewsSix Flags to add seat belts to roller coaster after Georgia man falls to his death
Wall Street JournalSix Flags to Add Seat Belts to Rides Following Death
USA TODAYSix Flags: Seat belts to be added to ride after fatal Georgia incident
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Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Updated Oct 24, 8:26pm ETSix FlagsSix Flagsformer amusement park operator will add seat belts to Goliath and other roller coasters that use similar restraints after a rider was ejected and died. The change applies to coasters that had used lap-bar restraints without seat belts, including Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died Oct. 12 after leaving his seat on Goliath, and several other riders were injured. Goliath and eight other coasters at five parks remain temporarily closed while safety reviews and clearances are pending. Six Flags said the closures were precautionary and hired independent engineers and ride-inspection specialists to review park safety procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not publicly established why Kariem was ejected.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed the seat-belt plan as a major safety upgrade while keeping the focus on investigations and broader park scrutiny. CNN emphasized that adding seat belts was a significant change to Goliath’s restraint system as investigators examine the fatal fall. The Guardian connected the death to wider scrutiny of Six Flags over alleged harm tied to another ride.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets led with Six Flags strengthening rider protection, while giving more weight to the family tragedy at the center of the accident. The New York Post stressed the new seat-belt precautions after what it described as a shocking tragedy on the coaster. It also lingered on the victim as a father thrown from a thrill ride, with other riders caught in the ordeal.
Six Flags Coaster Investigation
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Oct 24Six Flags Adds Seat Belts (this story)Balanced
- Oct 16Six Flags Death Widens Coaster ShutdownsBalanced
- Oct 15Six Flags Safety Faces ScrutinyBalanced
- Oct 14Six Flags Victim IdentifiedBalanced
- Oct 13Six Flags Closes Nine Roller CoastersLeans Right
