Government records reveal mechanical failures at Six Flags theme parks

In the years leading up to this week's fatal accident at its Georgia theme park, Six Flags has been accused of failing to maintain its parks amid hundreds of reports of injuries and dangerous malfunctions on its aging thrill rides, according to a CNN analysis of public records and court filings.

Six Flags temporarily closed 10 rides in seven states this week after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem fell to his death and several others were injured while riding the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia just outside Atlanta.


In the last five years, safety records covering more than a dozen parks across three different states reveal maintenance issues, such as a train derailment, faulty restraint bars and guest injuries including dislocated joints and concussions.

Six Flags is the country's largest theme park operator - with 30 water and amusement parks in 13 states. In a statement to CNN, the company said it was  committed to rigorous ride inspection, maintenance and safety procedures that meet or exceed industry standards. 

But Six Flags has struggled financially amid weak attendance and crushing debt following a 2024 merger with competitor Cedar Fair, according to its financial statements from recent years.

Two investor lawsuits filed last year allege that prior to the merger, Six Flags officials had put off basic park maintenance, infrastructure repairs and ride updates as it slashed employee headcount. In investor calls last year cited in the lawsuits, a Six Flags executive described a need to invest in  deferred items  at the amusement parks, while another stated the  list is always long  for needed improvements in response to a question from a financial analyst. Six Flags has not responded to the lawsuits' claims in court.

The company  failed to make adequate capital investments to conduct routine facility maintenance or improve rides and attractions, and made drastic personnel cuts,  according to one investor lawsuit. The other alleges Six Flags  had for years deferred or foregone
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