Six Flags Magic Mountain is closing its X2 roller coaster after brain injury lawsuits

The X2 roller coaster has been out of operation since July 12. Now, Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park president Brian Oerding has announced that the attraction will no longer reopen. "After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently close X2," he said in a statement.

He noted that the cable car has undergone safety tests many times. However, the decision to close it was made due to the decline in guest confidence.

"The safety of attractions is the foundation of our business. When we see that guests' trust has been violated, we take it very seriously," he emphasized, quoted by ABC News.

Three lawsuits and reports about brain surgery

At least three lawsuits have been filed against the amusement park. Their authors claim that they suffered severe brain injuries after driving the X2.

One of such people is Pamela Guillen, who visited the park in July with her family - during her 16-year-old daughter's birthday. As she reported, after leaving the carriage she was disoriented. Her next memory was her hospital stay two weeks later.

The woman underwent emergency brain surgery, was also in a coma and stayed in the hospital for almost a month, according to her report quoted by ABC News.

Michael Wick is also among the plaintiffs. His representative said that the man had undergone two brain surgeries and due to his disability he cannot currently practice as a lawyer.

Lawyers point to structural problems

The lawsuits allege that problems with the roller coaster's design have existed since its launch in 2002. Initially, the attraction was called X.

Lawyers representing the injured emphasize that riding a roller coaster is risky, but - in their opinion - passengers should not be exposed to death or serious brain injuries.

Six Flags Magic Mountain previously settled a lawsuit involving the death of Christopher Hawley. The man's family claimed that he died after driving the X2 in 2022.