▲ Six Flags Magic Mountain in the United States
The world-famous U.S. amusement park Six Flags Magic Mountain has ultimately become embroiled in a lawsuit over its "X2" roller coaster, which has sparked controversy regarding brain injuries among riders.
According to U.S. broadcaster CNN on September 22 (local time), civil attorney Christopher Bullone held a press conference that day, stating, "Six Flags has been gambling with people's lives. Rides like that should not exist," and announced that three lawsuits have been filed against Six Flags this week.
Lawyers reported that there are also hundreds of other individuals who claim they are unable to file lawsuits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations or that they suffered injuries unrelated to brain injuries.
X2, a signature ride at Six Flags located in Valencia, California, is a roller coaster where the seats rotate 360 degrees while racing at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (approx. 129 km/h) for about two minutes.
It has gained popularity among thrill-seekers worldwide due to its near-vertical drops and unpredictable movements.
CNN reported that over the past two years alone, more than 100 people have claimed to have suffered brain injuries after riding Six Flags' X2.
Last month, CNN brought public attention to the dangers of X2 by reporting on more than a dozen severe injuries and hospitalization cases linked to riding it.
These cases included at least two fatalities.
The media outlet pointed out that although the risks of X2 had been raised for over a decade, most related facts were largely covered up before this report.
Plaintiffs criticized that Six Flags officials allowed the ride to continue operating despite being fully aware of the dangers of X2.
Pamela Gillan, 40, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 26, lost consciousness after getting off X2 in July and underwent emergency surgery for severe brain injuries.
The accidents involving these two individuals occurred successively a week apart.
According to emails obtained by CNN, doctors treating them determined that the two sustained injuries due to the rapid deceleration and acceleration experienced while riding X2.
In an interview with CNN, Gillan said, "I had to relearn how to speak and walk, and I suffer from severe headaches and a lack of concentration," adding, "I am taking medication to prevent seizures."
Greer-Wilkinson remains in a coma even after brain surgery.
Michael Wilk, who worked as a lawyer, claimed that he underwent multiple surgeries for a cerebral hemorrhage after riding X2 in February.
He expressed distress, stating that he is currently unable to perform his duties as a lawyer due to severe headaches, memory loss, and a lack of concentration.
Despite warnings from amusement park visitors and medical professionals, Six Flags continued to operate X2 before shutting it down on the night of July 12.
The measure was taken about a day after two successive accidents occurred a week apart, but the company did not disclose the reason for the suspension.
Six Flags and relevant authorities in California declined to comment on the matter.
Attorneys for Six Flags defended the amusement park, stating that warning signs are posted advising riders that all rides carry risks and that X2 undergoes regular inspections.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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