SeaWorld Orlando temporarily closes Mako after Six Flags Georgia coaster death
Mako roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. (FOX 35)
ORLANDO, Fla. - SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily closed its Mako roller coaster following the death of a man who fell from a similar coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, officials said.
Mako is from Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, the same company behind Six Flags' Goliath coaster, which was involved in the deadly incident Monday.
Mako roller coaster closed at SeaWorld Orlando
What they're saying:
The decision to close the coaster was made "out of an abundance of caution," a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson told FOX 35.
SeaWorld said that the safety of guests and its staff is its top priority.
"We adhere to the highest safety standards," the spokesperson said. "Our staff and technicians routinely inspect our rides and work closely with ride manufacturers and other engineering and safety experts to ensure we consistently meet and exceed the highest safety standards and guidelines."
Mako opened at the park in 2016. It reaches speeds of 73 mph and heights of 200 feet.
What we don't know:
SeaWorld did not say how long its Mako coaster would remain closed, nor when it would reopen.
Guest dies after falling off Six Flags' Goliath coaster in Georgia
The backstory:
A man died Monday after he was ejected from his seat while riding the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
The man, who has been identified as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, reportedly hit other riders as he fell to the ground.
Several park visitors told officials they witnessed the fall.
Six Flags temporarily shuts down other coasters
By the numbers:
Six Flags temporarily closed several roller coasters at its parks in the United States and Canada following the deadly incident.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks," Six Flags said in a statement, according to FOX 5 in Atlanta. "The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities."
What to know about Goliath and B&M
Goliath is what's known as a hypercoaster and reaches speeds of 70 mph and heights of 200 feet.
B&M has made several hypercoaster models currently in operation at several parks around the world, according to its website:
- Mako, SeaWorld Orlando
- Goliath, Six Flags Over Georgia
- Candymonium, Hersheypark
- Shambhala, PortAdventurea Park
- Diamondback, King's Island
- Silver Star, Europa-Park
- Nitro, Six Flags Great Adventure
B&M has also made several other coasters featured at Florida theme parks, including SheiKra, Manta, Phoenix Rising, Montu, Penguin Trek, Kumba, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster.
The Source: This article was written based on information released by SeaWorld Orlando, Six Flags, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Bolliger & Mabillard's website, and reporting by FOX 5 Atlanta.