Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced the permanent closure of its popular X2 roller coaster following numerous allegations of brain injuries among riders.
The X2 coaster, a flagship attraction featuring 360-degree spinning seats and often long wait times, has remained closed since July.
Six Flags stated that the ride had cleared multiple safety inspections, yet chose to retire it as the appropriate course of action.
The decision follows lawsuits and media reports alleging that hundreds of riders suffered brain injuries from the X2 ride; a law firm representing plaintiffs noted that the timing was too late for its clients.
On Tuesday, , external Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding announced the closure, stating: “Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when guest confidence is affected, we take it seriously.”
Dordick Law Corporation, which filed civil suits against the park, said it had been contacted by hundreds of individuals alleging injuries they attributed to the ride.
The firm said, “They boarded X2 expecting a thrill, but left with catastrophic brain injuries. Some required emergency brain surgery, and others continue to fight to regain their lives.”
The firm noted that, although the closure protects future guests, “it does nothing for those already harmed.”
Originally named X, the attraction opened in 2002, was briefly closed months later for repairs to address design flaws, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, and was closed again in 2007 to install lighter trains.
It reopened the next year as X2 and has since been ridden by over 16 million guests, according to the park.
A law firm representing the family of 22‑year‑old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022, said the closure was insufficient.
Attorney Brent Wisner of Wisner Baum LLP told the BBC, “The Hawley family is relieved Six Flags is finally closing X2, but this does not erase the fact that Christopher Hawley was killed by a dangerous roller coaster that operated for nearly two decades.”
Hawley’s family reached a wrongful‑death settlement with the theme park in August.
Wisner added, “That tragedy cannot be undone,” and urged legal reform, proactive regulation, and proper governmental oversight.
He added, “We cannot expect profit‑driven corporations to act responsibly only after enough people are hurt,” and expressed hope that whatever replaces X2 will be safe.