SeaWorld Orlando confirmed it temporarily closed its Mako roller coaster out of an abundance of caution following a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia that killed a rider.
Witnesses described seeing a man fly out of Goliath on Monday. Like Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Mako is a hyper coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), with similar-looking restraints.
In a statement to News 6, the Orlando theme park emphasized its commitment to guest and employee safety.
“The safety of our guests and team members is a top priority. Our safety staff and ride technicians strive to maintain and deliver attractions that our guests can enjoy with confidence. That work includes regular ride inspections and ongoing collaboration with ride manufacturers and other engineering and safety experts.”
SeaWorld Orlando
As for how long Mako is expected to be closed, a SeaWorld rep told News 6 they “don’t have a reopening update to share at this point.”
Mako opened in June 2016 and reaches speeds up to 73 miles per hour. At 200 feet, it stands as the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Orlando.
The fatal incident occurred Monday when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was thrown from his seat on Goliath and struck other patrons before landing below the ride, according to Cobb County police. Several bystanders and fellow riders witnessed the fall.
Following the incident, Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar roller coasters at six of its theme parks across the U.S. and Canada.
Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is conducting what a spokesperson called “an in-depth and comprehensive review” of the incident.
Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70 mph and stands 200 feet tall, according to the Six Flags website.
B&M released a statement to News 6 following the Six Flags coaster death.
We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family and those affected.
We are actively investigating the incident and will not comment further until we have a better understanding of what happened.
Bolliger & Mabillard