Six Flags Adds Seat Belts to Roller Coasters
The theme park operator is upgrading safety restraints following a fatal passenger ejection at a Georgia park.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Theme Parks
Six Flags is installing seat belts on roller coasters that utilize lap restraints after a 42-year-old passenger, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was ejected from the Goliath coaster. The company has taken nine roller coasters out of service across the United States and Canada to implement the safety improvements.
Why it matters
The move aims to enhance passenger security on rides manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. Independent engineers are currently reviewing safety procedures across the park network to prevent further incidents.
Six Flags has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across its properties to conduct safety inspections and install seat belts. All affected rides were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, which received a patent for its restraint systems in 2001.
The players
Six Flags
This major amusement park operator manages numerous properties across North America.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem
He was a 42-year-old passenger who died following an incident on the Goliath roller coaster.
Bolliger & Mabillard
This engineering firm specializes in the design and manufacture of roller coasters for theme parks.
SeaWorld Orlando
This destination is a major theme park and marine life entertainment facility in Florida.
The details
In addition to the Six Flags closures, SeaWorld Orlando temporarily took its Mako coaster out of service following the incident. All affected units are undergoing rigorous inspections by independent engineering firms to ensure compliance with updated safety standards.
Timeline
2001: Bolliger & Mabillard received a U.S. patent for the restraint system.
October 12, 2026: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell from the Goliath coaster.
October 21, 2026: SeaWorld Orlando reopened the Mako roller coaster.
Travel Outlook
The retrofitting effort marks a significant shift in how operators approach ride safety beyond the original design parameters of the 2001 Bolliger & Mabillard restraint patent. This move indicates a broader industry trend toward redundant security measures on high-intensity attractions.
Visitors to Six Flags properties in the U.S. and Canada should expect temporary closures of certain high-intensity attractions as safety retrofitting continues. Guests are encouraged to check official park websites for real-time ride availability before finalizing their travel plans.
The takeaway
Amusement parks are increasingly prioritizing redundant safety systems to maintain visitor confidence after fatal equipment failures. Travelers should remain aware that ride maintenance schedules are subject to change in response to emergent safety protocols.
Further reading
For more on industry safety standards, visit the Theme Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHMI 93.5 FM.
