Six Flags Permanently Closes X2 Coaster After Brain Injury Lawsuits

Six Flags announced Tuesday it will permanently close the X2 roller coaster at Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, after nearly 20 years of operation. Park President Brian Oerding stated the ride consistently passed safety tests but the company decided closure was "the right thing to do" amid shaken guest confidence.

The decision follows a CNN investigation published in August documenting over a dozen severe injury reports and at least two deaths linked to the ride since its 2002 debut. In July, two women suffered subdural hematomas requiring emergency brain surgery just six days apart, prompting an indefinite shutdown on July 12.

“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.”

Attorneys held a press conference last week revealing more than 100 new victims have come forward alleging brain injuries from the past two years alone. Three lawsuits were filed in late September citing catastrophic injuries.

X2 was the world's first "fourth-dimension" coaster, featuring seats that rotate 360 degrees while reaching speeds near 80 mph. Experts say the intense forces from abrupt acceleration and rotation can stretch brain tissue, increasing risks of concussions and bleeding.

Oerding noted the ride welcomed over 16 million guests and held a passionate following among enthusiasts. The permanent retirement ends the coaster's run as the park's flagship attraction.