Six Flags closes X2 after 100-plus brain injuries reported
Six Flags Magic Mountain is permanently shutting the X2 rollercoaster after more than 100 riders reported brain injuries and two deaths.
The X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has been closed since July after two people needed brain surgery within days of riding it. Since then, more than 100 others have come forward claiming brain injuries.
Two deaths have been linked to the ride over its history: Hildar Farias in 2010 and Christopher Hawley in 2022. A neurosurgeon likened Hawley's injuries to shaken baby syndrome.
Three lawsuits were recently filed, with riders claiming catastrophic brain damage. Park president Brian Oerding said: "While X2 consistently passed safety tests, we have decided to close because we believe it's the right thing to do."
The ride opened in 2002 and reached a top speed of 122.3 kilometres an hour.
- 2002
- Year X2 opened
- 100-plus
- Brain injuries reported
- 2 (Farias 2010, Hawley 2022)
- Deaths linked to ride
- 122.3 kilometres per hour
- Top speed
Why it mattersA ride with a decade-long pattern of serious injuries is permanently removed, reflecting how safety concerns can eventually override commercial interests.
AustraliaNo direct Australian operation, but Australian tourists who have visited this California theme park are no longer at risk from this specific ride.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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