Six Flags Shuts Down X2 Rollercoaster After More Than 100 Alleged Brain Injuries
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Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park in California, has announced it will permanently close a popular rollercoaster after more than 100 riders alleged they suffered brain injuries.
The X2 Rollercoaster: A History of Concerns
The X2, one of the park's main attractions known for its long wait times and spinning seats, has been closed since July. Six Flags claimed the ride had passed safety tests but decided to retire it as "the right thing to do."
This decision follows lawsuits and news reports linking rides on the X2 to brain injuries. The Dordick Law Corporation, representing some plaintiffs, stated that approximately 400 individuals reached out to them claiming injuries they attributed to the ride, with some requiring emergency brain surgery.
"They got on X2 expecting a thrill. Instead, they left with catastrophic brain injuries," the firm said.
While the closure is welcomed by the law firm for future safety, they argue it does nothing for those already hurt.
A History of Concerns and Changes
Originally named X, the ride first opened in 2002 but was closed months later for design flaw repairs. It reopened after fixes only to be closed again in 2007 for lighter train replacements. Reopened as X2 in 2008, it has since been ridden by over 16 million people.
The closure comes too late for the family of Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022. His family settled a wrongful death suit with Six Flags in August.
"That tragedy cannot be undone," said attorney Brent Wisner from Wisner Baum LLP, calling for better regulation and oversight. "We cannot rely on profit-centered corporations to do the right thing only after enough people have been hurt."