Six Flags to close X2 roller coaster after reports of brain injuries

Six Flags has announced it will close a popular roller coaster after scores of riders reported brain injuries.

"While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do," Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding posted on Six Flags' corporate website. "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."

The Los Angeles-area coaster has been closed since July, when two riders reportedly suffered brain injuries on the ride, days apart, according to lawsuits. An investigation by CNN showed more than a dozen of other riders reported similar injuries over the past two decades, including a number of life-changing disabilities and at least two deaths.

Southern California-based Dordick Law Corp. has filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of park visitors who say they were injured, and said they represent more than 100 people who were hurt after boarding the ride.

Six Flags previously referred USA TODAY to the company’s ride safety webpage but declined further comment due to pending litigation. According to the company’s website, Six Flags’ safety program includes independent third-party ride inspection, insurance…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/travel/