NEWS: Six Flags Is Permanently Closing X2 Roller Coaster

By Robin Burks Leave a Comment

One of the things that roller coaster enthusiasts love about riding roller coasters is the thrill factor that comes from a sense of danger and fear when a coaster pushes riders to their limits with high speeds, deep dives, loops, and more. However, sometimes things go wrong with these thrill rides.

©Six Flags

Hundreds of riders on the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain recently reported brain injuries after riding the attraction. As a result, Six Flags has decided to close the roller coaster…forever.

Six Flags posted a letter online from Brian Oerding, the Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President. In the letter, Oerding announces that the X2 roller coaster would be permanently shut down after almost 20 years. Oerding wrote, “Since X2 opened in 2008, it has welcomed more than 16 million guests and earned a passionate following among ride enthusiasts. We recognize the special place X2 holds in the coaster community, and we are grateful to our team members who operated and maintained it throughout its run.”

©Six Flags

The letter goes on to explain the reason for the closure: “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. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously.” X2 temporarily closed in July, but it will now remain closed permanently.

©Six Flags

This comes after a CNN investigation that uncovered more than 100 people with claims of brain injuries after riding the coaster. Three lawsuits have also been filed against Six Flags over X2 ride incidents, including 26-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson and 40-year-old Pamela Guillen, who both fell unconscious after the ride and had to undergo emergency brain surgery for severe brain injuries.

We’ll keep you updated on more Six Flags news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.