Man dies after reportedly falling off roller coaster in US

One person is dead and several are injured after an incident unfolded at the “Goliath” roller coaster at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park in the United States.

The Georgia roller coaster was stopped mid-ride and those on board had to be evacuated from the 200ft ride.

Witnesses speaking to media on the scene told reporters the man hit the roller coaster, and other riders, several times as he fell from his seat.

The amusement park was shut down immediately and local police say an investigation is underway into what caused the man to fall out of the ride.

A statement released by Six Flags said the “park team and local authorities responded immediately” and are “co-operating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation”.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the statement added. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.”

The Goliath roller coaster is one of the park’s main attractions. Now 20 years old, it reaches a speed of nearly 110km/h.

The incident happened just a couple of weeks after Six Flags Magic Mountain, in Southern California, announced it will permanently close the popular roller coaster X2, after a spate of complaints and lawsuits alleging serious brain damage caused by the ride.

Theme park operator Six Flags, which runs amusement parks at several locations across North America, says it does not comment on pending litigation.

In August, the company reached a settlement with the family of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022.