A man died and several other people were hurt on Monday afternoon after an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, the amusement park outside Atlanta, police said.
The Cobb County Police Department said one person died and several were injured in the incident, which happened at about 3:58 p.m. local time on October 12. Atlanta television stations WSB and 11 Alive reported that the man died after falling from the Goliath ride; WSB said four others were injured.
What witnesses described
Witnesses told local broadcaster 11 Alive that the man was ejected from his coaster car and struck the ride structure as he fell. One rider said the man could be seen in the background of their on-ride souvenir photograph. The ride came to a stop, leaving passengers stranded on the track until park staff and first responders evacuated them via an exterior staircase.
Police said detectives would investigate the circumstances, but have not explained how the man came off the ride. The victim's name has not been released while authorities notify his family.
Park responds
In a statement, Six Flags said it was "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and that it was cooperating with local authorities' investigation. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time," the company said.
Goliath is a steel hypercoaster that reaches 200 feet tall and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, according to the park's website. It opened in 2006.
The fatality is not the first at the park. USA Today, citing findings published by the Doan Law Firm injury attorneys, notes there have been at least eight deaths tied to Six Flags Over Georgia customers or employees since it opened in 1967, including a fatal heart attack on Goliath in 2006 and a 2008 death after a teenager entered a restricted area under the Batman ride.
Sources: Man dies after falling off Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia (USA TODAY); Man dies after falling from Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia (Fox News)
The Cobb County Police Department said one person died and several were injured in the incident, which happened at about 3:58 p.m. local time on October 12. Atlanta television stations WSB and 11 Alive reported that the man died after falling from the Goliath ride; WSB said four others were injured.
What witnesses described
Witnesses told local broadcaster 11 Alive that the man was ejected from his coaster car and struck the ride structure as he fell. One rider said the man could be seen in the background of their on-ride souvenir photograph. The ride came to a stop, leaving passengers stranded on the track until park staff and first responders evacuated them via an exterior staircase.
Police said detectives would investigate the circumstances, but have not explained how the man came off the ride. The victim's name has not been released while authorities notify his family.
Park responds
In a statement, Six Flags said it was "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and that it was cooperating with local authorities' investigation. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time," the company said.
Goliath is a steel hypercoaster that reaches 200 feet tall and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, according to the park's website. It opened in 2006.
The fatality is not the first at the park. USA Today, citing findings published by the Doan Law Firm injury attorneys, notes there have been at least eight deaths tied to Six Flags Over Georgia customers or employees since it opened in 1967, including a fatal heart attack on Goliath in 2006 and a 2008 death after a teenager entered a restricted area under the Batman ride.
Sources: Man dies after falling off Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia (USA TODAY); Man dies after falling from Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia (Fox News)
