The fallout from a fatal Goliath roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia has now spread beyond the company’s own amusement parks, with SeaWorld Orlando temporarily closing its popular Mako roller coaster. The precautionary shutdown comes as Six Flags suspends operations on nine additional attractions across North America, bringing the total number of affected roller coasters to 11.
What began as a tragedy at Six Flags Over Georgia has quickly become a much larger concern for the amusement park industry.
Following the death of 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem aboard the Goliath roller coaster on October 12, 2026, Six Flags announced the temporary closure of nine additional roller coasters across six parks.
Now, another major theme park operator has taken action.
According to Spectrum News 13, SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily closed Mako, one of its most popular thrill rides, as a precaution following the Georgia incident.
The decision is particularly significant because SeaWorld operates independently of Six Flags, suggesting that concerns surrounding the incident are extending beyond the company directly involved.
SeaWorld Orlando Takes Precautionary Action
Mako, which opened in 2016, is one of SeaWorld Orlando’s signature attractions.
The Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster stands 200 feet tall and reaches speeds of 73 mph, making it the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando.
Like Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Mako uses lap-bar restraints designed to secure passengers during high-speed drops and moments of airtime.
Mako roller coaster at Sea World Orlando –
Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
READ: Six Flags Over Georgia Guest Dies After Reportedly Falling From Goliath Roller Coaster
According to WESH 2 News, individuals believed to be safety experts were observed examining Mako’s ride vehicles following the closure.
SeaWorld emphasized that guest safety remains a priority and that its attractions undergo regular inspections. However, the company has not identified any mechanical problems with Mako, and there is currently no evidence that the Orlando attraction has a defective restraint system.
The closure appears to be a precautionary measure while investigators work to determine what happened in Georgia.
Nine Additional Six Flags Roller Coasters Closed
SeaWorld’s decision follows Six Flags’ announcement that nine additional roller coasters would temporarily suspend operations.
The affected attractions include:
- Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois.
- Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California.
- Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
- Diamondback and Orion at Kings Island in Ohio.
- Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario.
- Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina.
Including the original Goliath attraction in Georgia and SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako, 11 roller coasters have now been affected by the incident.
Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia – Coasterman1234, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
READ: Kelly Clarkson Attacks Small Business Over Refusing to Sell Her Something That’s Not for Sale
Eight of the nine additional Six Flags attractions were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the same company responsible for Goliath in Georgia and Mako.
The manufacturer has confirmed that it is investigating the fatal incident.
Investigation Continues as Industry Awaits Answers
According to the Cobb County Police Department, preliminary witness interviews indicate that Kariem was ejected from Goliath, struck other passengers, and fell beneath the roller coaster.
Four additional passengers were reportedly injured.
Authorities have not determined whether a mechanical malfunction, restraint issue, or another factor caused the tragedy.
Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia – Coasterman1234, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons (Cropped From Original)
Meanwhile, other Bolliger & Mabillard attractions throughout Central Florida, including The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Orlando and several roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, have not been included in the announced closures as of yet.
SeaWorld’s decision to close Mako marks a significant escalation, demonstrating that the repercussions of the Georgia tragedy are no longer confined to Six Flags properties.
For now, guests face an uncertain reopening timeline as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
That Park Place will continue following the investigation and the status of the affected attractions.
UP NEXT: Millionaire Seth Rogen Attacks Elon Musk for Charging People at Tesla Diner
