Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2, considered one of the world’s most extreme roller coasters, has been shut down for over a month following an incident in which a rider was reportedly found unconscious.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the Valencia, California, theme park around 9:15 p.m. on July 5 after receiving a report of an unconscious person, KTLA reported Wednesday. Park medical personnel also responded and helped handle the situation alongside firefighters.
The incident was handled at the scene and did not result in a sheriff’s investigation, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department, the outlet reports.
Further details about the incident remain unclear. Six Flags has not publicly addressed what happened, only telling The Independent in a statement on Thursday: “The ride remains closed at this time.”
KTLA could not independently confirm the rider’s condition on Wednesday.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, also responded to the incident. The agency oversees theme park rides and can inspect attractions following major modifications, as well as in response to complaints, accidents and other safety concerns.
A Cal/OSHA representative told The Independent: “Cal/OSHA’s Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit has opened an inspection into the reported incident involving the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Because the inspection is ongoing, no further details are available at this time.”
X2 is the world’s first “fourth-dimensional” roller coaster that spins riders in their seats while the train navigates steep drops and inversions along its 3,600-foot track at speeds of up to 76 mph. Originally opened as X in 2002, the ride was upgraded and relaunched as X2 in 2008, becoming the final coaster designed and built by the famous engineering company Arrow Dynamics.
The latest incident isn’t the first time X2 has faced serious scrutiny. Six Flags is also fighting a lawsuit from the family of Christopher Hawley, 22, who they say suffered a fatal brain injury on the coaster in June 2022, according to KTLA. A jury trial is scheduled to begin in September.
According to the lawsuit, X2 “suddenly, abruptly and violently jolted to a halt” as Hawley, his younger brother and cousin approached the end of the ride. After exiting, Hawley appeared unsteady and complained that his head hurt before collapsing and losing consciousness.
Hawley was rushed to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where doctors found a catastrophic subdural hematoma that his family alleges was caused by the ride. He died the following day.
Six Flags has declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing the ongoing litigation, KTLA reports.
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