SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily taken its Mako roller coaster out of service following a fatal accident at Six Flags Over Georgia that involved another coaster manufactured by the same company.
The precautionary closure began Tuesday, October 13, a day after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died at Six Flags Over Georgia. Authorities said Kariem was ejected from his seat on the Goliath roller coaster on Monday, October 12.
A SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson told FOX 35 that the decision to temporarily close Mako was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Mako and Goliath were both manufactured by Switzerland-based Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) and use the same type of restraint system. The connection prompted SeaWorld to suspend operations on its attraction to conduct additional safety checks.
In a statement to WESH 2, SeaWorld said the ride would remain closed as engineers and safety specialists examine its restraint system and other components. The park has not announced when Mako is expected to reopen.
Mako opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 2016. It is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando. The hyper coaster reaches a maximum height of 200 feet and speeds of up to 73 mph.
It’s not yet clear what caused Kariem to fall out of his seat on Goliath. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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