COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia welcomed guests back Saturday as its roller coasters resumed operation days after a deadly incident on Goliath left one person dead and four others injured.
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While families returned to the Austell theme park and other rides operated, Goliath remained closed as investigators work to determine what happened.
Some visitors said they were hoping for answers about the incident.
“I hope they just figure out if it was a ride malfunction or what caused that tragedy,” park visitor Mykaela Jones said.
Saturday marked the park’s first full day back open since the incident, but some visitors noticed a difference in the crowds.
“We came later the day. I was expecting a bigger crowd,” visitor Brycen Tarrison said.
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For others, the tragedy has made them think twice about getting on the rides.
“My family is a little scared to get on the ride, so I don’t know how many rides I’m going to get on,” visitor Jeremy Luten said.
Jones said she and her family had visited the park earlier in the week, before the incident. Now, she said, she is taking a more cautious approach.
“Now I told her no rides. I said we’re not getting on no rides,” Jones said.
Despite those concerns, the park continued operating other attractions, including its Fright Fest Halloween experiences. Luten said he came with his family hoping to enjoy their visit.
“I came with my family, still looking forward to have a good time,” he said.
Six Flags has said it is committed to meeting or exceeding industry safety standards. However, the park has not provided specifics about any changes to ride operations or safety procedures following the incident.
As the investigation continues, visitors are left balancing concerns about what happened with their desire to make memories at the park.
“I don’t think it should take away from the fun and memories and other things you can do at an amusement park,” Jones said.
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