Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old man, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12. Kariem’s death highlights the need for stronger safety regulations at Six Flags. Although investigators have not determined what caused the accident, it deserves a close review of inspection requirements, and any weaknesses found should lead to enforced changes.

Kariem worked as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta public school. According to CNN, he was a respected educator whose patience and enthusiasm inspired students. 

Police said he struck other passengers before ultimately falling beneath the attraction. This led to several people being injured.

After the incident, Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and similar roller coasters at other parks. Goliath is Georgia park’s tallest roller coaster, which rises to 200 feet in the air. According to the Associated Press, passengers are secured by lap bars instead of seat belts.

However, investigators have yet to determine why Kariem was ejected. A witness believes that the empty seat restraint had appeared loose. This account raises questions but does not prove that the restraint had malfunctioned. A mechanical defect cannot be established.

Six Flags said that its rides receive daily inspections and regular evaluations by outside inspectors. However, those procedures should be reviewed after this fatal incident. Stronger regulations should require parks to address any problems investigators find before any rides reopen.

This accident also draws attention to those who oversee amusement park safety. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission does not regulate the rides. Permanent rides such as the Goliath generally fall under state and local oversight. 

This investigation must establish what happened before responsibility can be determined. Still, stronger oversight and public inspection findings would help hold amusement parks responsible. Six Flags should support regulations that make safety easy to evaluate and to make sure that hazards are corrected. 

It is still too early to say whether Kariem’s death could have been prevented. Investigators still have to review maintenance records, examine the restraint system and speak with witnesses before drawing any conclusions. 

Georgia’s ride safety agency and Goliath’s manufacturer are investigating the accident. Goliath will remain closed until further notice.