Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath roller coaster passed its most recent state inspection without any reported problems, seven months before a 42-year-old man died after being thrown from the ride.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire said Goliath underwent its mandatory annual testing in March. “No violations, deficiencies, citations, or red tags were reported,” the office said in a statement released on Thursday.
Georgia law requires amusement park rides to be inspected each year by a licensed inspector, with additional inspections possible. The cost is paid by the ride’s owner, and Goliath had reportedly passed its previous three inspections without issues.
The ride remains closed while investigators examine how Monday’s fatal incident happened. The state office said it will not reopen until the investigation has been completed.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died after he was thrown from the roller coaster, struck the track multiple times and landed beneath the ride, according to the account of the incident.
Kariem had been visiting the park with his girlfriend and her family. He was 42.
Six Flags Over Georgia had not responded to requests for comment.
