Six Flags is set to undergo major changes in the wake of a tragedy that happened at the theme park earlier this month.
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Six Flags Adds New Safety Measures After Tragedy
The Theme Park is adding seatbelts to its famed attraction, The Goliath. The decision comes after 42-year-old Atlanta Public Schools teacher Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta was ejected from the ride. And pronounced dead after his safety restraint malfunctioned.
Six Flags CEO John Reilly announced the newly implemented safety procedure in a release on Friday (October 23).
"What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags. Safety has always been fundamental to the experience we provide for our guests. That commitment requires constant vigilance and determination to continually improve," the statement reads.
"Safety guides every decision we make. From the design and operation of our attractions to the training and procedures our teams follow every day. We are reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures. Including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint."
CEO Reassures Patrons That Ride Operators Undergo Extensive Training
In addition to the new seatbelts being added to roller coasters, the statement reassures patrons that Six Flags ride operation staff continue to be required to complete training. One that includes "classroom instruction, hands-on training and supervised on-the-job experience."
"Safety also depends on the dedicated teams who operate and maintain our attractions every day. Our ride operators complete a comprehensive, multi-stage training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supervised, on-the-job experience, with additional instruction and evaluation provided as necessary," the statement continues. "We remain focused on reinforcing these practices and supporting our employees in their responsibility to put safety first"
While these new safety measures are being added to the 200-foot attraction, the Goliath will remain closed. In addition to eight additional rides across the portfolio of theme parks. This is being done so that "necessary safety reviews and clearances" can be conducted. To ensure that their standard of customer safety remains upheld.
"We are committed to carefully evaluating their findings and taking appropriate action to further strengthen our standards and culture of safety," the statement adds.
