Tragedy struck at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday when one guest lost their life and several others sustained injuries following an incident on one of the park's roller coasters, according to officials.
The Cobb County Police Department confirmed that the event occurred just before 4 p.m. at the popular amusement park. In an official statement, the police department reported, "Several people were reported injured, and one person has died."
While specific details regarding the exact roller coaster involved remain unclear, CBS News Atlanta captured footage showing the Goliath ride being shut down. Eyewitnesses reported that guests were being evacuated from the ride's tallest hill using emergency stairways.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the deceased guest, and further information about the incident is still being gathered.
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for Six Flags expressed their sorrow, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the incident. 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." The spokesperson added that the park's team and local authorities reacted promptly and that they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens indicated that the city's public safety director is working closely with Cobb County police and park officials to manage the situation effectively.
The Goliath roller coaster, which first opened in 2006, is the tallest ride in the park, reaching a height of 200 feet and featuring a steep drop of 170 feet at speeds up to 70 miles per hour.
This incident comes on the heels of Six Flags' recent announcement regarding the permanent closure of the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, following multiple lawsuits alleging that over 100 riders suffered brain injuries linked to that ride.
As investigations continue, aerial footage from WXIA showed other riders being safely evacuated from the roller coaster. Six Flags Over Georgia is located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Atlanta, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
