Public Safety · Orlando, FL
SeaWorld Orlando's Mako Temporarily Closed After Georgia Roller Coaster Death
A 42-year-old man, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, died after being thrown from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. In response, theme parks across the country temporarily closed similar coasters, including SeaWorld Orlando's Mako, a 200-foot, 73-mph ride built by the same Swiss manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard. SeaWorld said the closure was made out of an abundance of caution but has not outlined a reopening process. Experts note hypercoasters use lap-bar-only restraints and have a long safety record, with the National Safety Council estimating a one-in-15.5-million chance of serious injury or death at fixed-site amusement parks. Investigators have not yet released a report on what caused the restraint failure in Georgia.