Eyewitnesses Describe Six Flags Roller Coaster Incident

Eyewitnesses are coming forward to describe the harrowing moments leading up to a fatal fall at Six Flags Over Georgia. On the afternoon of Monday, October 13, 2026, a man was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster and fell to his death, according to accounts from those on the scene and statements from local authorities.

Details Emerge in Fatal Amusement Park Accident

The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. at the amusement park located in Austell, just west of Atlanta. Eyewitnesses who spoke to ABC News, preferring to remain anonymous, recounted that the man was ejected from his seat on the Goliath roller coaster. "A man slips out of his seat, and he turns sideways, and he's flipping in the air," one witness recalled. The individual reportedly struck the ride multiple times and other patrons before ultimately falling to the ground beneath the attraction.

Victim Identified and Ride Details

Authorities later identified the man as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. The Goliath roller coaster, as described on the park's website, boasts a height of 200 feet and reaches speeds up to 70 mph. The ride, operational since 2006, was the site of what witnesses described as a sudden restraint failure. "His restraint came undone," said one person who observed the event. Multiple people attempted to help, but "there was too much force to grab him," another witness explained.

Injuries, Emergency Response, and Ongoing Six Flags Investigation

Soon after the fatal fall, several patrons were reported injured. "Nobody could breathe. Everybody's screaming, crying, freaking out. Parents are running up there telling them, 'Let our kids off this ride,'" one eyewitness said. The Cobb County Police Department stated that detectives from their Major Crimes Unit were on site to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event. Authorities indicated that, based on preliminary interviews, Kariem was ejected and struck other patrons, though the cause is still under investigation.

Statements from Six Flags and Local Officials

A Six Flags spokesperson released a statement expressing that the company was "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and extended "thoughts and heartfelt condolences." The spokesperson confirmed that the park team and local authorities responded immediately and that Six Flags is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Out of precaution, similar attractions across Six Flags parks were temporarily closed on Monday.

Lisa N. Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, commented, "I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one." She also acknowledged the park's role in the community, describing it as "a significant part of our tourism landscape."

Unanswered Questions and Emphasis on Roller Coaster Safety

As the investigation continues, questions remain regarding the cause of this tragic six flags accident, including the specifics of the ride restraint failure and roller coaster safety procedures. Both amusement park officials and authorities say their examination into this fatal amusement ride incident is ongoing. The community and all parties involved are seeking answers in the wake of the devastating roller coaster injury and accident.

Source: abc7ny.com.