Canada’s Wonderland Closes Roller Coasters After Fatal Six Flags Incident in Georgia

Canada’s Wonderland has temporarily closed its Behemoth and Leviathan roller coasters following a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The closures at the Ontario park, which is owned by Six Flags, were implemented as a precautionary measure after a man fell from the Goliath coaster at the Georgia amusement park. Witnesses reported seeing the rider fall into a wooded area as the train came to a sudden halt, with some observers describing the victim being catapulted from the ride.

Safety precautions at Six Flags parks

Six Flags has shuttered nine roller coasters across six amusement parks in North America, including locations in California, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina, as authorities investigate the events in Georgia. Six Flags spokesperson Grace Peacock stated that the company closed similar attractions out of an “abundance of caution,” noting that the safety of guests and staff remains a priority. In addition to the closures at Canada’s Wonderland, the company confirmed that Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina have been taken out of service.

According to Fox Business, the affected rides include the Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and the Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. At Kings Island in Ohio, the Orion and Diamondback coasters were also taken out of service. Six Flags also announced Tuesday that it has acquired ArieForce One.

Investigation into the Georgia incident

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death at Six Flags Over Georgia, located in Austell, about 24 kilometres northwest of Atlanta. While officials have not confirmed the specific cause of the fatality or the nature of the injuries sustained by others, witnesses described seeing a rider fall from the Goliath coaster into a wooded area while the ride was in motion. Logan Conner, who was on the coaster, recounted, The man started levitating in the air sideways. We made direct eye contact with him. Another witness, Britny Landry, who had ridden the coaster earlier that day, said, We just look, and I just see somebody fly out.

Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid issued a statement confirming the tragedy and requesting that the public keep the family of the deceased and the affected employees in their thoughts. We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories, Cupid said.

Six Flags investigates Goliath incident as attractions remain closed

Six Flags has not provided a timeline for when the closed attractions will resume operations. The incident comes shortly after Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the retirement of its X2 roller coaster following legal action involving allegations of brain injuries.

The Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, which opened in 2006, reaches speeds of approximately 113 km/h and heights of 61 metres. Local authorities and park officials continue to cooperate as the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Regarding the ongoing safety protocols, a company spokesperson stated, The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities.