A fatal incident occurred Monday afternoon at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta when a 42-year-old man was ejected from a roller coaster, resulting in his death and injuries to four other riders. The victim, identified as Hassan Kariem, was riding the Goliath hypercoaster shortly before 4 p.m. when the accident took place.

According to statements from Kariem’s family, the sequence of events began when he reportedly fainted during the ride. His niece, who was riding alongside him and celebrating her 13th birthday, called her father immediately afterward, describing the incident. Joshua Nelson, Kariem’s brother-in-law and the father of the niece, relayed that his daughter said her uncle lost consciousness, and as the ride continued its high-speed movements, Kariem’s safety latch either came loose or disengaged, causing him to fall from the coaster.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and while Kariem succumbed to his injuries, four other park visitors were also treated for injuries sustained during the event. The Six Flags Over Georgia park has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the cause of the latch malfunction or the circumstances surrounding the fainting episode.

Authorities and park officials are investigating the incident to determine the precise factors leading to the fatality and injuries. The investigation will likely examine ride maintenance records, safety procedures, and medical conditions that might have contributed to the incident.

Six Flags Over Georgia, a popular amusement destination located near Atlanta, attracts thousands of visitors annually, with the Goliath hypercoaster being one of its signature high-speed attractions. The park has faced scrutiny in the past regarding safety protocols, and this incident underscores the challenges of ensuring rider security on extreme thrill rides.