The X2 rollercoaster is famous for it’s rotating seats and high speeds (Image: Six Flags Magic Mountain)
Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced that one of its attractions, which has thrilled a staggering 16 million visitors, is to be torn down.
The decision follows a groundbreaking CNN investigation into fatalities, injuries and thrill-seekers left in comas after experiencing the notorious X2 rollercoaster.
The attraction, described as a “rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil”, has been linked to the death of one man and left numerous others with serious injuries. The ride has been associated with two deaths and multiple injuries spanning the last two decades.
Adrenaline junkies from around the globe flock to the theme park to experience the X2 ride, which rotates passengers 360 degrees independently of the track while the train hurtles down precipitous drops at speeds approaching 80mph. Labelled a “rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil”, X2 is one of merely three four-dimensional rollercoasters worldwide.
Enthusiasts have been left devastated by the announcement, though many remain hopeful it might be succeeded by an enhanced X3 iteration of the attraction.
An aerial view of roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Image: Getty Images)
A statement addressed to the ‘Six Flags Community’ by Brian Oerding, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President, was published on their official website yesterday, revealing the popular ride’s future.
It stated: ” After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2.
“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. “.
Enthusiasts flocked to social media to express their reactions and reminisce about the attraction. One X user posted: “Loved X2 ever since I was a kid, I used to get an annual pass all the time and whenever I would go to Magic Mountain with my friends we would always go on X2 at night it just hit different than going on it during the day.”
Another commented: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I at least got to ride it last year 5 times. Thank you @SFMagicMountain for one amazing ride of a life time.”
A third questioned: “By retire you mean you guys are gonna make x3 right? ? ? ? ?” The ride’s manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, went bankrupt more than two decades ago, but ReachPLC has reached out to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the body responsible for overseeing amusement park rides, seeking a response.
A spokesperson for California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health said: “Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit opened an inspection into the reported July 5 incident involving the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The inspection remains ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time.
“Permanent amusement rides in California are regulated under Labor Code sections 7920–7932 and the applicable Permanent Amusement Ride regulations. Additional information about required inspections, accident reporting and Cal/OSHA’s oversight of permanent amusement rides is available on the Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit webpage.”
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