Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six of its parks following a fatal accident on the Goliath coaster at its Six Flags Over Georgia location. The ride, manufactured by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), was involved in the incident that led to the death of a rider. The company has faced scrutiny over the safety features of the coaster, particularly the absence of additional seat belts that serve as a backup to standard lap restraints.

Several other coasters built by Bolliger & Mabillard at Six Flags parks include extra seat belts, and at some locations, such as Kings Island in Ohio, riders are required to fasten these belts immediately upon sitting. However, Goliath does not employ this secondary safety measure, which is expected to be a key focus in the ongoing investigation.

Legal experts note that the degree of liability Six Flags may face depends on whether the park exercised "ordinary care" in maintaining safety standards. Under Georgia law, theme parks are held to a lower standard of care compared to mass transit operators, which are required to demonstrate "extraordinary diligence" to protect passengers. This distinction could affect potential claims related to the accident.

An attorney involved in the matter said that while “ordinary care” may cover typical ride-related risks such as motion sickness or minor injuries, it generally does not encompass incidents where a rider is ejected from a coaster traveling at high speed. The investigation will also assess whether Six Flags adhered to industry safety requirements and regulations.

Following the incident, Six Flags’ stock price dropped sharply, falling over 16%, closing at $10.20 per share — its lowest closing price in more than a decade. The decline reflects investor concern in the wake of the tragedy and the subsequent operational shutdowns.

Neither Six Flags nor Bolliger & Mabillard immediately responded to requests for comment on the incident or the ongoing investigation. Authorities and safety officials continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the cause and whether regulatory or procedural shortcomings played a role.