Six Flags Over Georgia reopens after roller coaster death

Six Flags Over Georgia, located about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta in Mableton, reopened Friday evening after closing earlier in the week following a fatal accident on one of its roller coasters, the Goliath, according to timesfreepress.com.

The park had been closed Tuesday through Thursday as part of its scheduled days off, but the reopening went ahead as planned. The Goliath coaster was not expected to operate during the reopening.

The incident involved a 42-year-old Atlanta school employee who was thrown from the Goliath coaster on Monday and died. Witnesses reported seeing the man ejected from the ride, and some riders earlier in the day had expressed concerns about the coaster’s restraints.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fall, including a review of the ride’s restraint system to determine whether it was properly secured or if any failure occurred during the ride, WSB-TV reported.

Visitors arriving at the park Friday expressed mixed feelings. Some said they were not deterred from visiting other attractions, while others said they would avoid roller coasters but still planned to enjoy the park’s Halloween-themed events.

Six Flags Over Georgia’s park president issued a statement offering condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirming the park’s commitment to safety and continuous review of its operations.