Six Flags Magic Mountain has officially shut down its X2 rollercoaster after more than 100 riders reported it caused serious brain injuries.
The California park first opened the ride, initially called X, in 2002. Only a month later it closed because of a design flaw, and it reopened as X2 in 2004 after a train replacement that made the cars lighter.
Since its 2004 relaunch, more than sixteen million people have ridden X2, but the park has faced growing criticism. In July, it was shut down following a wave of lawsuits and reports that riders suffered severe brain injuries that required emergency surgery or ongoing treatment.
Dordick Law Corporation, the firm representing many claimants, said it had been contacted by about 400 people who say the ride caused them injuries. The firm warned that the closure offered no remedy for those already harmed.
Six Flags’ president Brian Oerding said, Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously. The company also stated it has passed a range of safety tests, but decided to retire the coaster for the “right thing to do.”
The tragedy of 22‑year‑old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022, looms large. His family settled a wrongful‑death suit with the park in August. Attorney Brent Wisner of Wisner Baum LLP called for federal regulation and better oversight after the park’s two‑decade operation of a potentially dangerous ride.
The park’s decision to retire X2 has been welcomed by survivors, but many feel it comes too late to protect those already injured. The park hopes its future attractions will meet even higher safety standards.
