Commissioner King Provides Update on Extensive Investigation into Six Flags Tragedy

ATLANTA – Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King today provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic October 12 incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, reaffirming the Department's commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring the safety of Georgians remains the highest priority.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, as well as everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,” said Commissioner King. “We recognize the unimaginable pain this family is experiencing, and they deserve answers. We have a solemn responsibility to determine what happened, and I want the people of Georgia to know that we are approaching this investigation with the urgency, diligence, and unwavering commitment to public safety that this tragedy demands.”

Since shortly after the tragedy occurred, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) has maintained a full investigative presence at Six Flags Over Georgia, working around the clock to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators and engineers remain on the ground, continuing an extensive review of the evidence, equipment, and relevant documentation.

The Department's investigative team is conducting an in-depth examination of the ride, its operation, and records to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and whether all applicable state safety requirements were followed. 

“Our team has been on the ground working day and night to ensure that every relevant detail receives the attention it deserves,” said Commissioner King. “We have investigators and engineers continuing that work today, and we will dedicate the time, expertise, and resources necessary to have a complete understanding of what happened. This is not an investigation in which we will cut corners, rush to conclusions, or leave questions unanswered without making every effort to resolve them.”

Under Georgia law, OCI is responsible for administering the state's amusement ride safety regulations, including permitting, inspecting, and investigating amusement rides. The Department's investigation examines the ride, its operation and records, and compliance with applicable state safety requirements.

OCI is working alongside the Cobb County Police Department and local public safety officials as the investigation continues. While Cobb County Police is leading the law enforcement investigation into the circumstances of the incident, OCI is conducting its own comprehensive investigation into amusement ride safety and regulatory compliance.

“We are proud to work alongside our local law enforcement and public safety partners in Cobb County,” King continued. “Each agency has an important responsibility, and we are committed to working cooperatively to ensure that this tragedy receives the thorough attention it demands.”

Georgia maintains extensive safety requirements governing the operation of amusement rides. Stationary rides must be inspected by OCI before initially opening to the public and at least annually thereafter. These inspections include reviews of required documentation, mechanical conditions, safety equipment, and the safe operation of rides in accordance with applicable standards and manufacturer specifications.

State regulations also establish requirements governing braking systems, electrical equipment, emergency procedures, passenger restrictions, safety signage, and operator qualifications. OCI inspectors have the authority to conduct inspections and investigations without prior notice, and rides determined to be unsafe may be taken out of service until the necessary requirements for returning to operation are satisfied.

Goliath's most recent OCI inspection occurred on March 16, 2026. No violations, deficiencies, citations, or red tags were reported during that inspection. As part of the ongoing investigation, OCI is conducting a full review of relevant inspection, permitting, and incident-report records.

Following the October 12 tragedy, Goliath was taken out of service and remains secured. Under Georgia's amusement ride safety regulations, any ride involved in an accident resulting in a fatality or serious injury must remain out of service until OCI has conducted a full investigation. The Department will determine when, and under what conditions, the ride may be permitted to resume operation.

“Georgia's safety laws exist for a reason, and we expect them to be followed to the letter,” said Commissioner King. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every applicable requirement is carefully examined and that the law is upheld. If our investigation identifies violations or failures to comply with state safety requirements, we will take the appropriate actions authorized under Georgia law. The safety of our citizens is not negotiable.”

Because the investigation remains active, the Department will share its findings when the investigation is complete and determine what further actions may be necessary under Georgia law.

“Every Georgian deserves to feel safe when enjoying time with their family, and every family deserves the confidence that the attractions they visit are operating in accordance with the law,” said Commissioner King. “We owe it to the Kariem family, to everyone affected by this tragedy, and to the people of our great state to find out exactly what happened. We will follow the facts wherever they lead, hold firmly to the standards established by Georgia law, and use everything we learn to help prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of the people we serve.”

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The mission of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.