Canadian Parks Close Roller Coasters After Fatal Georgia Incident

Two major Canadian amusement parks have temporarily closed three roller coasters for precautionary safety reviews after a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta on Monday. Canada’s Wonderland shut down Behemoth and Leviathan, while Montreal’s La Ronde suspended operations on its Goliath coaster as officials reviewed ride safety.

According to statements provided by the parks, the closures are precautionary measures following the incident, which left one person dead and several others injured. Authorities have not publicly established how the person died, and members of the major crimes unit are investigating.

Canada’s Wonderland spokesperson Grace Peacock confirmed that Behemoth and Leviathan remain closed. The park has not announced when either attraction will reopen.

Peacock emphasized the park’s commitment to protecting visitors and employees in a statement.

“The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities,” Peacock said.

Canada’s Wonderland became part of Six Flags in 2023, following the merger of its owner, Cedar Fair, with the amusement park company.

La Ronde also suspended its Goliath roller coaster while conducting a safety assessment with the ride’s manufacturer. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson expressed sympathy for those affected by the Georgia incident.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia and extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected,” the La Ronde spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the Montreal park was taking additional precautions while reviewing the attraction. The assessment is being conducted in collaboration with the manufacturer before the ride can return to service.

“At La Ronde, the safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed our Goliath roller-coaster while we conduct a thorough safety review in collaboration with the ride’s manufacturer,” the spokesperson said.

The park described Goliath as a long-standing attraction that has operated for more than two decades and carried guests on millions of rides. However, the spokesperson said the coaster would remain closed until the review was finished and the park was satisfied it could operate safely.

“We are taking this additional time to carefully review the attraction. It will not reopen until this review is complete and we are fully satisfied that it can be operated safely,” the spokesperson said.

Six Flags Over Georgia is located approximately 24 kilometers northwest of Atlanta. Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, and the major crimes unit continues to investigate.