Six Flags Magic Mountain is permanently closing its X2 roller coaster following allegations that the ride has caused more than 100 brain injuries in recent years.
X2 last operated in July, staying shuttered after two Magic Mountain guests reported suffering life-threatening brain injuries after riding. Since then, more allegations of injuries have surfaced and garnered national media coverage from NBC News, USA Today, and The New York Times.
While Magic Mountain did not say the suits were the reason for the closure, its Tuesday morning announcement did mention ride safety concerns. The full statement from Brian Oerding, Magic Mountain’s park president, said:
“Since X2 opened in 2008, it has welcomed more than 16 million guests and earned a passionate following among ride enthusiasts. We recognize the special place X2 holds in the coaster community, and we are grateful to our team members who operated and maintained it throughout its run.
“While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously.
“Our purpose is to create FUN, thrills and a lifetime of memories by creating unforgettable experiences that are underpinned by comprehensive safety policies. To learn more about our ride safety program, visit our website at Ride Safety at Six Flags.”
X2 has been a troublesome coaster since its construction. The first “fourth-dimension roller coaster” that had cars rotating a full 360 degrees independently of the rest of the train, the cost bankrupted legendary coaster manufacturer Arrow Dynamics in 2001. Its estimated $45 million initial cost was inflated by a $10 million overhaul in 2007 and 2008 – when the ride was also renamed from X to X2 – but it never lost its reputation for slow operations and frequent downtime, despite being beloved by many hardcore coaster fans for its intensity.
With X2’s closure, Magic Mountain – which until recently sported 20 operating coasters, the most of any theme park in the world – is now left with 16 due to closing several smaller coasters and the 400-foot-tall Superman: Escape from Krypton. Its next coaster project, Thrill Glider, is scheduled to open next year.