Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after more than 100 allege brain injuries

September 29, 2026

Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has announced the permanent closure of its X2 rollercoaster following allegations from over 100 riders who claim they suffered brain injuries. Although the park states the ride passed all safety tests, it decided to retire the attraction due to concerns about guest confidence. The ride, which originally opened in 2002 and has been ridden by more than 16 million people, has been shut down since July amid numerous lawsuits.

Who is affected

More than 100 riders who allege they suffered brain injuries from the X2 rollercoaster
Approximately 400 people who contacted Dordick Law Corporation claiming injuries from the ride
Christopher Hawley (deceased), a 22-year-old who died after riding X2 in 2022, and his family
Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park
Future guests who would have ridden the attraction
Plaintiffs represented by Dordick Law Corporation and Wisner Baum LLP

What action is being taken

Six Flags Magic Mountain is permanently closing the X2 rollercoaster
Dordick Law Corporation has filed civil lawsuits against the park on behalf of injured riders
The park is addressing guest confidence concerns regarding ride safety

Why it matters

This closure highlights critical concerns about amusement park safety oversight and corporate responsibility. The situation demonstrates the potential for serious medical harm, including catastrophic brain injuries requiring emergency surgery, from rides that pass safety tests but still injure hundreds of people. The case underscores the tension between profit-driven operations and public safety, raising questions about whether current regulatory frameworks adequately protect theme park visitors before tragedies occur.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC