Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has announced the permanent closure of its X2 roller coaster amid ongoing legal issues alleging that the ride caused brain injuries to some passengers. The ride, which opened in 2008 and has hosted more than 16 million riders, has been out of operation since July following incidents involving serious health concerns.

The decision to close X2 comes after multiple reports surfaced of riders experiencing traumatic brain injuries. A law firm representing the plaintiffs reported receiving over 100 inquiries from individuals claiming to have sustained such injuries linked to the attraction. To date, three lawsuits have been filed. The ride was initially closed after two women required emergency brain surgery shortly after riding X2.

In August, Six Flags settled a wrongful-death lawsuit connected to a fatality in 2022 following a ride on X2. The circumstances surrounding that case led to heightened scrutiny of the coaster’s safety and operational procedures.

Brian Oerding, president of Six Flags Magic Mountain, said in a statement that while the ride had passed numerous safety tests consistently, the company decided to discontinue its operation, citing concern for guest safety and confidence. “We believe it’s the right thing to do,” Oerding said.

The closure highlights the challenges amusement parks face in balancing thrill ride experiences with guest safety. Six Flags has not indicated plans to replace X2 on the park’s lineup. The company’s move follows increased attention to ride safety in the industry, reflecting greater public awareness and legal scrutiny of potential health risks associated with high-intensity attractions.