What the Six Flags Over Georgia death investigation will focus on, according to roller coaster inspection experts

Key Points:

• The investigation into the death of Hassan Kariem, who was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, will focus on potential maintenance issues, design flaws, and human error, with the ride closed since the incident.
• A recent March inspection found no violations but noted the need to replace bushings, mechanical components that reduce friction, which experts say could be significant in understanding the cause.
• Ride operators undergo training and use a control panel to secure restraints, but some former employees described rushed training and pressure to keep lines moving, raising concerns about operational safety.
• Six Flags has faced previous safety scrutiny, including a fatality at Magic Mountain's X2 coaster in 2022, with lawsuits highlighting possible deficiencies in maintenance and operator training.
• Experts emphasize the importance of adherence to maintenance schedules and empowering staff to halt rides if safety is in question, while the park maintains that safety is their top priority and supports ongoing investigations.