Six Flags orders seatbelts for Goliath after rider's death

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The company made the decision after a 42-year-old rider died from a fall earlier this month.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a father and educator, was ejected from his seat during the ride. Goliath features a 165-foot drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. As Kariem fell, he struck other cars on the track.

Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death. The incident caused Six Flags to temporarily close Goliath and eight other rides at five different parks.

John Reilly, the company's chief executive, announced the safety changes in a statement on Friday. He said the company would fit seatbelts on Goliath and other coasters that use a similar restraint system. Reilly did not specify which other rides would receive the upgrade.

The Goliath coaster currently uses a lap bar that locks across the waist. This design was produced by Bolliger & Mabillard. The park has also hired an independent reviewer to examine safety procedures for all its attractions.

Reilly stated that trust is earned through actions rather than words. He promised to communicate progress and hold the company accountable to its commitments. This update comes as Six Faces a lawsuit regarding the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders alleges the park operated a defective coaster and neglected their safety. A recent CNN investigation found a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to that ride. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.