According to the British newspaper The Guardian, on September 29, Six Flags Rental Park in the United States announced that it has permanently closed its controversial "X2" roller coaster, which operates in Valencia, California. Previously, many former passengers came out and claimed they suffered serious injuries.
It is understood that the ‘X2’ roller coaster is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Mountain Park. It can reach a maximum speed of 76 miles per hour (about 122 kilometers per hour), and its seats can rotate 360 degrees. The facility had been closed since mid-July.
"X2" roller coaster online images
In August, a CNN investigation revealed that two passengers suffered brain hemorrhages in July. According to their lawyers, Gary Dodick and Christopher Blohn, one of the victims, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a resident of Los Angeles, is still hospitalized in a semi-comatose state. CNN also found that at least two deaths were reportedly linked to the X2 vehicle.
After reports by CNN, the scope of injuries caused by X2 was alleged to have expanded dramatically. According to Blohn and Dodick, more than 100 people have reported injuries due to this amusement device. They have filed three new civil lawsuits against the amusement park.
According to court documents, these lawyers claimed that X2 had ‘defects’, and accused the amusement park of failing to properly warn passengers about the risks of head and brain injuries.
Magic Mountain Leisure Park President Bryan Albright brought up public controversy when announcing the closure of X2.
Ording wrote in a blog post on the 29th: "Although X2 has passed numerous safety tests, we decided to close the ride because we believe this is the right decision. The safety of rides is the cornerstone of our business, and we take it seriously when we see tourists' confidence being affected."
He added, “Since its opening in 2008, X2 has welcomed over 16 million visitors and has won enthusiastic support from enthusiasts of amusement facilities. We recognize X2’s special place among roller coaster enthusiasts, and we are also grateful to the team members who operated and maintained it throughout its operation.”
