Six Flags rollercoaster allegedly causes ‘catastrophic brain damage’, 100 join lawsuit on ‘inherently dangerous’ attraction

A good rollercoaster is supposed to be a thrilling experience that leaves you physically shaken up. However, a new lawsuit brought by three people and joined by 100 others alleges that one Six Flags coaster is so dangerous it has given at least one person “catastrophic brain damage.”

The Guardian reports that the X2 rollercoaster at California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is the subject of a lawsuit from three people who said the coaster is responsible for their brain damage. They are joined by 100 others who also report “traumatic brain injuries”, which was previously highlighted by CNN who reported that two women suffered similar brain haemorrhages after riding it.

Gary Dorcik, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said: “These people went to Magic Mountain for some entertainment. For some family fun. And they suffered catastrophic brain damage.” He also added that he’d been contacted by around 300 people reporting various injuries from the ride.

“Permanent brain damage”

The report quotes attorney Christopher Bulone, who claims experts have told him that the X2 was intentionally designed to be more extreme than other coasters: “It’s the design of this ride that makes it inherently dangerous and makes it dangerous in a way that no reasonable rider would expect. Time after time innocent people are coming off the ride with permanent brain damage.”

A former rider on Reddit in 2018 warned other coaster fans about the X2: “It honestly felt like a boxer punched me in the head twice. … Holding your head back against the rest makes it even worse so do not attempt this. Instead, as the ride nears the last two maneuvers lean forward as far as you can to try to avoid or mitigate the impact. You will get some mild whiplash, but it is better.”

Six Flags themselves are eager to market the X2 as an extreme experience, billing it as a “right[sic] of damage for the ultimate daredevil,” and that it’ll have “even the most hardened thrill seeker screaming”. They continue:

“With 360° rotating seats and head-first, face down drops, X2 is downright scary. … Feel your sense of direction disappear as you fly through an unreal assortment of dives, flips and twists plus two ultra-rare “raven turns” — half loops that change their minds midway and become sheer drops. To make things even better, your 360° seat extends on wings far off the track, so your body will be flipping around the entire time.”

The X2 is currently closed, and Six Flags has put out a statement saying they don’t comment on pending litigation. Its website touts its safety credentials, saying they “continuously collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, safety professionals, regulators, and industry organizations to strengthen our practices and embrace new technologies that enhance safety. Combined with comprehensive inspections, rigorous maintenance programs, and extensive employee training, these efforts help us provide safe, reliable, and enjoyable experiences for millions of guests each year.”