Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent closure of its X2 roller coaster, a decision driven by a surge of claims that riders suffered brain injuries. The park, which said the ride had passed safety tests, described the move as "the right thing to do" amid mounting legal pressure.
What happened
The X2, formerly known as X, opened in 2002 and has been a flagship attraction with a 360‑degree spin and long wait times. After a series of incidents, including a fatality in 2022, the ride was shut down in July and has remained closed while Six Flags evaluated its future.
Claims and legal action
According to a law firm representing plaintiffs, roughly 400 people have contacted them alleging injuries they attribute to the ride. More than 100 riders have formally alleged brain injuries, and civil lawsuits have been filed against the park.
- One firm, Dordick Law Corporation, reported being contacted by about 400 alleged victims.
- Another firm, Wisner Baum LLP, represented the family of Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022.
Park response
External Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding said, "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously." The park emphasized that the ride had passed a range of safety tests but chose to retire it to protect guest confidence.
Historical context
X2’s history includes multiple closures for design flaws and train replacements. After reopening in 2008, it has been ridden by more than 16 million guests, according to the park.
Broader implications
The closure raises questions about regulatory oversight of amusement rides. Attorney Brent Wisner, speaking for the Hawley family, called for "legal reform, proactive regulation and proper governmental oversight," arguing that profit‑driven corporations cannot be relied upon to act only after extensive harm.
Uncertainty and next steps
While the ride’s permanent removal addresses immediate safety concerns, the long‑term impact on the park’s reputation and on the plaintiffs’ claims remains uncertain. The lawsuits are ongoing, and the extent to which the closure will affect compensation for those already injured is not yet clear.
Readers should note that the information presented here is drawn directly from the BBC report and reflects the current state of affairs as of the latest statements from Six Flags and involved parties.
