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The X2 attraction, located in the amusement park. Photo Ryan Walean
A popular California roller coaster will permanently shut down after dozens of people said they suffered brain damage on the ride. The X2 attraction, located at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park, features dizzying drops and sharp twists that have thrilled millions of visitors over more than two decades. Its seats rotate 360 degrees as the carriages travel at up to 130 kilometers per hour.
The complaints and the two cases in July
However, the attraction has also sparked a series of complaints including those brought by the families of two women who, they say, suffered serious injuries last July on this ride north of Los Angeles. Pamela Guillen, 40, suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression after boarding the X2 on July 5 and underwent emergency surgery that required the removal of part of her skull, her family told CNN.
Less than a week later, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson lost consciousness after riding the roller coaster and underwent emergency brain surgery. She remained in a coma for weeks and, according to her parents, is still unable to speak or breathe on her own.
The precedent and the definitive closure
Four years ago a 22-year-old died after riding the carousel. The attraction was closed shortly after the second accident, but park officials announced the permanent closure on Tuesday. “Although X2 has successfully passed numerous safety tests, we have decided to close the attraction because we believe it is the right choice,” said park president Brian Oerding.