Six Flags has permanently closed its iconic X2 roller coaster, ending the run of one of the amusement park industry's most celebrated and controversial attractions amid renewed scrutiny over rider safety. The California theme park operator announced Tuesday that X2 will not reopen, roughly a month after reports highlighted a history of serious injuries and fatalities linked to the ride. In a message to guests, Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding said the coaster had carried more than 16 million riders since opening in 2008 and developed a devoted following among thrill-seekers.
"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," Oerding said. "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously." The decision marks then end for a marquee roller coaster that has long served as one of Six Flags Magic Mountain's signature attractions. Known for its rotating seats and extreme maneuvers, X2 was billed as a "fourth-dimension" coaster, giving riders the sensation of flipping independently of the track below.
The closure follows heightened attention on the ride after reports detailed a number of incidents involving riders over the years, including brain hemorrhages, emergency surgeries, permanent disabilities and deaths. In his statement, Oerding emphasized that X2 had continued to pass safety reviews throughout its operation. However, he suggested that public perception played a role in the company's decision.
"Our purpose is to create fun, thrills and a lifetime of memories by creating unforgettable experiences that are underpinned by comprehensive safety policies," Oerding said. Six Flags did not immediately announce what will replace the ride or when work to remove the attraction might begin. This is a breaking news article.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gabe Whisnant and Dave Siminoff.
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