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Nine roller coasters across six amusement parks were temporarily closed Monday after a deadly incident at Six Flags Over Georgia left one person dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred at the park in Austell, approximately 15 miles northwest of Atlanta. Authorities have not disclosed how the person died, how the other individuals were injured or the severity of their injuries.
The Cobb County Police Department’s major crimes unit is investigating the incident.
In response, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation temporarily shut down rides at other parks that were considered similar to the attraction involved in the Georgia incident. The company said the closures were made “out of an abundance of caution” while the investigation continues.
The following roller coasters were temporarily closed:
Six Flags Great America: Raging Bull
Six Flags Magic Mountain: Goliath
Six Flags Great Adventure: Nitro
Canada’s Wonderland: Leviathan and Behemoth
Carowinds: Fury 325 and Thunder Striker
Kings Island: Orion and Diamondback
Although officials have not publicly identified the roller coaster involved, local television stations aired footage showing passengers being evacuated from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.
The Goliath coaster, which opened in 2006, reaches speeds of approximately 70 mph and stands 200 feet tall. According to the park’s website, the ride lasts about three and a half minutes.
A Six Flags spokesperson said park employees and local authorities responded immediately and that the company is cooperating with investigators. The company also expressed condolences and said it was providing support to affected guests and employees.
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid confirmed that the deceased person's next of kin had been notified.
Cupid said the incident had left the community struggling to understand how such a tragedy could occur at a destination associated with family entertainment and generations of memories.
The temporary closures also affect Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Fury 325 and Thunder Striker were taken out of operation as a precaution.
Officials have not announced when the affected roller coasters will reopen. The closures are precautionary, and the investigation into the fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia remains ongoing.
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