ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — One person was killed and several others were injured in an incident involving a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
Police have not said what happened. Several riders were stuck on Goliath roller coaster at the park late Monday afternoon. First Alert Chopper captured footage of riders being helped to the ground.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected,” Six Flags Over Georgia said in a statement. “The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”
Police and Six Flags officials have not identified anyone involved or provided details about the extent of the injuries.
Six Flags shut down over the incident and guests were told to leave. Others were left stranded on Goliath’s steep incline, watching emergency crews rush past them below and wondering what went wrong.
“We saw mechanics and paramedics running down there. We realized something bad had happened,” said Ben Edwards, who was among nearly 20 people trapped on Goliath’s two-hundred-foot incline when the coaster suddenly stopped shortly before 4 p.m., stranding many for at least an hour way above the ground.
“Very tragic – the first thing you think about is the people you’re on the ride with,” said Edwards, who is visiting from Canada.
Edwards tried calming those around him, unsure when help would arrive. With each passing minute, frustration grew as trapped passengers looked down, waiting for a way off.
The real panic was in the car ahead of Edwards, where the deadly incident occurred.
The victim who died was found on a nearby roof, footage shows.
Goliath tops out at 70 miles per hour, with an elevation of 200 feet and two drops, one of 170 feet and another of 175 feet. Considered a hypercoaster – a roller coaster that’s at least 200 feet tall – the ride was developed by Bolliger & Mabillard, and uses restraints that sit across riders’ laps, not over-the-shoulder restraints.
Similar coasters exist throughout the Six Flags chain. All were briefly shut down after the Goliath incident.
The incident comes less than a month after Six Flags closed the famous X2 roller coaster at Magic Mountain in California after lawsuits revealed more than 100 people had suffered brain injuries while riding.
Edwards called for changes following the deadly ride Monday.
“Being stuck up there, some people are really scared of that stuff,” Edwards said. “They need to do better.”
In a statement, Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called the incident “a terrible tragedy.”
“I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one,” Cupid said.
Cupid added that the county is working closely with the amusement park “and other appropriate partners” as the investigation proceeds.
“Six Flags Over Georgia is a significant part of our tourism landscape, drawing visitors from across our county, our state, and the Southeast. I look forward to learning more as the investigation unfolds,” Cupid said. “In the meantime, please keep in your thoughts the family of the deceased, those who were injured, the employees and leadership of Six Flags, and our community. We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories.”
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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