Goliath will have seatbelts next month

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park.

The ride is currently closed. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after falling from the coaster earlier this month. He was ejected from his seat during the first drop, which is 165 feet. He hit other cars on the ride as he fell. The second drop on the track is 180 feet. Georgia authorities are investigating the death.

CEO John Reilly announced the change in a post on Friday. He said the company is also adding seatbelts to other coasters that use the same restraint system. He did not list the specific rides. Goliath currently uses a lap bar made by Bolliger & Mabillard that locks across the waist. The park has hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all attractions.

Reilly wrote, "I know trust is earned through actions and not words." He added that the company will keep the public updated on its progress. He also stated, "What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags. Safety has always been fundamental to the experience we provide for our guests."

The incident happens while Six Flags faces a lawsuit over the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders claims the park kept a defective coaster running. Court documents say the riders suffered brain injuries. A recent CNN investigation found a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to X2.

Six Flags closed X2 permanently in September. The company shut down Goliath and eight other rides at five parks following Kariem's death.