The X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has been permanently shut down, the company announced on Tuesday. This decision follows a surge of allegations from past riders claiming serious injuries.
The ride, which features seats that rotate 360 degrees and can reach speeds of up to 76mph, had been closed since mid-July. In August, a CNN investigation reportedly uncovered two riders who suffered brain hemorrhages in July, with one remaining hospitalised in a semi-conscious state. The investigation also found at least two deaths allegedly linked to X2.
Following this reporting, more than 100 people have reportedly claimed injuries from the ride, according to attorneys Gary Dordick and Christopher Bulone, who have filed three new civil lawsuits against the amusement park. The attorneys have described X2 as “defective” and accused the park of failing to adequately warn riders of head and brain injury risks.
Brian Oerding, the Magic Mountain park president, stated in a Tuesday blog post that while X2 consistently passed safety tests, the decision to close it was made because “we believe it’s the right thing to do.” He added that the company takes guest confidence seriously and acknowledged the ride's popularity since its opening in 2008, during which it welcomed over 16 million guests.