A man died after falling from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia while riding with his son, prompting the evacuation of the theme park and the closure of similar attractions across the company’s parks.
The incident happened at about 3.58pm on Monday. Witnesses said the man fell from his seat and struck the rollercoaster several times before landing on the roof of a haunted-house attraction below.
His wife and daughter were reportedly watching from the ground when the incident occurred. Several other people were injured, although officials have not said how many or disclosed the extent of their injuries.
One witness told 11Alive that the fall was captured in a souvenir photograph. “He fell and hit the car three different times,” the witness said.
Another witness, who said he was next in line to board, described the train returning to the station with distressed passengers. A rider sitting next to the man was reportedly screaming that the passenger had fallen out.
Those still on the ride were evacuated four at a time using an adjacent stairway after the train became stranded on a steep incline. The park was shut down as law enforcement and emergency personnel responded.
Six Flags said it was “deeply saddened by the guest incident” and that its thoughts and condolences were with the man’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected,” a spokesman said, adding that the park and local authorities had responded immediately and were co-operating with the investigation.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time,” he said.
Goliath rollercoaster closed during investigation
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens said city officials were “deeply saddened by the tragic incident” and that the city’s public safety director was working with Cobb County Police and park security.
Cobb County Commission chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the man’s next of kin had been notified. Calling the incident a “terrible tragedy”, she said: “I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one.”
The cause of the incident remains unclear. Six Flags said similar rides had been temporarily closed across its parks “out of an abundance of caution”.
“The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities,” the company said.
Goliath opened at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2006. Manufactured by Switzerland-based Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride reaches speeds of up to 70mph and has an elevation of 200ft.
