Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after hundreds allege brain injuries
- Six Flags has shut down its X2 rollercoaster following lawsuits alleging brain injuries among hundreds of riders.
- The X2 ride features seats that rotate 360 degrees, a design that critics say may cause intense rotational forces.
- Multiple lawsuits claim riders suffered concussions and other neurological damage due to the ride’s motion.
- Six Flags announced an indefinite closure to review safety protocols and cooperate with investigators.
- The case highlights growing scrutiny over safety standards in high‑intensity amusement park attractions.
Six Flags has shut down its X2 rollercoaster after a wave of lawsuits alleged that hundreds of riders sustained brain injuries from the ride, according to a BBC News report. The decision follows claims that the ride’s 360‑degree spinning seats created dangerous forces that could have led to concussions and other neurological damage. The company said it would suspend operations pending a review of safety protocols and the design of the ride.
X2, which has been a flagship attraction at several Six Flags parks, features rotating seats that spin while the train travels along a track. The design was intended to amplify the thrill, but critics argue that the rapid, repeated rotations can produce intense rotational acceleration and deceleration, potentially causing brain injury. The lawsuits, filed by a large group of former riders, allege that the ride’s motion caused concussions, seizures and other long‑term neurological problems. They also claim that Six Flags failed to adequately warn riders about the risks.
In response to the mounting legal pressure, Six Flags announced that the X2 coaster would be closed indefinitely. The company stated that it would conduct a comprehensive safety review and cooperate with investigators. While no official investigation report has yet been released, the closure signals that the park is taking the allegations seriously and is willing to pause operations to address safety concerns. The company has also indicated that it will consider redesigning or replacing the ride if necessary.
The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards in amusement park attractions, especially those involving complex motion dynamics. It may prompt regulators and industry peers to reexamine the design and testing procedures for similar rides. As the lawsuits proceed, the outcome could influence future liability and operational practices across the theme‑park sector.