Six Flags has temporarily shut down two of the biggest roller coasters at Carowinds, Fury 325 and Thunder Striker, as part of a precautionary closure of rides at several of its parks following a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. The company closed nine roller coasters across six parks on Monday, Oct. 12, after one man died and several others were injured on a coaster in Georgia.
The closures take two of the park’s signature rides out of service at Carowinds, which sits on the North Carolina and South Carolina state line just minutes from Fort Mill and Tega Cay. Six Flags has not announced when the affected roller coasters will reopen
What happened in Georgia
Police said the incident on the Goliath roller coaster happened just before 4 p.m., and the ride stopped with a set of its cars at the top. Officials said four other people were injured. Police identified the man who died as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42.
Police did not say how the man died, but witnesses said he fell from the coaster. The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire said Tuesday morning that it is investigating the death. A Major Crimes Unit with local police is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Not the first shutdown for Fury 325
The latest closure is the second for Fury 325 this year. Carowinds took the ride out of service July 7 after a routine maintenance inspection found an issue with one of its foundations. The park said it notified state regulators that day and began repairs, adding that the problem did not affect guest safety. The ride was closed for nearly two weeks, according to WCNC.
In the summer of 2023, Fury 325 was shut down for more than a month after a crack was found in one of its support beams. A park visitor spotted the crack and recorded video of it, which spread widely on social media before the ride was closed. North Carolina officials later determined the break was caused by unidirectional bending fatigue.
Six Flags has not said whether the Carowinds coasters will be inspected before they return to service or when it expects to reopen them. Guests with plans to visit can check the Carowinds website and app for current ride status.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
