The short version
- Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced the permanent closure of its X2 rollercoaster following allegations from over one hundred riders who claim to have suffered serious injuries.
- Park officials stated the decision was made to preserve guest confidence, even though they maintain the attraction consistently passed required safety tests during its operation.
- Attorneys representing injured parties and families of deceased riders argue the closure is insufficient without broader regulatory reform and adequate compensation for those already harmed.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has officially retired the X2 rollercoaster, ending the operation of one of its most popular attractions. The announcement comes after a significant increase in legal complaints alleging that the ride caused severe physical harm to numerous guests. Although the coaster had been out of service since mid-July, the permanent shutdown marks a definitive end to an era for the park, which cited guest confidence as a primary factor in the decision.
The X2 is known for its unique design featuring seats that rotate three hundred and sixty degrees while reaching speeds of up to seventy-six miles per hour. Since reopening in 2008 under its current name, the attraction has hosted more than sixteen million visitors. Park leadership acknowledged the ride’s status as a favorite among enthusiasts but emphasized that safety remains the cornerstone of their business operations. President Brian Oerding stated in a blog post that while the ride passed multiple safety evaluations, the company chose to close it because it was the right course of action given the public controversy.
The push for closure intensified following reports that detailed serious medical incidents linked to the coaster. A recent investigation highlighted cases where riders suffered brain hemorrhages, with at least two individuals dying in incidents allegedly connected to the attraction. One survivor, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, remains hospitalized in a semi-conscious state. These high-profile cases brought attention to a broader pattern of complaints that had been accumulating over time.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs have filed multiple civil lawsuits against the amusement park operator. Attorneys Gary Dordick and Christopher Bulone reported that more than one hundred individuals have come forward with claims of injury. They argue that the ride is defective and that the company failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of head and brain trauma. The law firm representing these clients noted that while they welcome the closure as a measure to protect future guests, it does not address the suffering of those already affected.
The history of the X2 includes previous periods of closure for technical issues. Originally launched in 2002 as the X coaster, it was shut down shortly after opening due to design flaws that required repairs. It closed again in 2007 to replace its trains with lighter versions before reopening as the X2. Despite these earlier interventions, the recent allegations suggest that long-term safety concerns may not have been fully resolved by previous modifications.
The case of Christopher Hawley, a twenty-two-year-old who died after riding the coaster in 2022, has become a focal point for critics of the park’s safety record. His family settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Six Flags in August. Brent Wisner, an attorney representing the Hawley family, expressed relief at the closure but argued that it does not undo the tragedy or address the systemic issues that allowed the ride to operate for nearly two decades. He called for proactive government oversight rather than relying on corporate self-regulation after harm has occurred.
The legal teams involved have characterized the injuries as catastrophic, with some victims requiring emergency brain surgery and others struggling to regain their quality of life. The attorneys contend that riders boarded the attraction expecting a thrill but instead faced severe medical consequences. They maintain that the park’s assertion of passing safety tests does not negate the alleged defects or the failure to warn guests about specific risks associated with the spinning seats.
As Six Flags moves forward, the company has expressed gratitude to its staff for maintaining the ride throughout its run. However, the closure leaves open questions about what will replace the X2 and how the park will address the ongoing litigation. The incident highlights the tension between theme park operations and liability management, particularly when public perception shifts due to media coverage and legal actions. The outcome of these lawsuits may influence industry standards for rider safety and disclosure in the future.
The permanent shutdown serves as a response to both direct legal pressure and broader reputational concerns. While Six Flags maintains that its internal safety protocols were followed, the volume of complaints and the severity of the alleged injuries have made continued operation untenable. The situation underscores the challenges theme parks face in balancing high-thrill attractions with the duty to ensure guest safety, especially when new information emerges about potential risks.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after hundreds allege brain injuries
- The Guardian US↗Six Flags permanently shuts down X2 rollercoaster after claims of brain injuries
