Indeed, despite Six Flags’ efforts to downgrade the threat of the X2 (originally launched as X in 2002) from a “potential death trap” to merely a “potentially life-altering trap,” the X2’s days of skydiving, backflipping, frontflipping, and “raven turning” at a max speed of 76 mph are well and truly finito. This final closure comes after three parties recently brought suit alleging brain injuries against the amusement park company and X2 seat manufacturer S&S Worldwide, which is a thing folks should probably know before hopping on any ride at Six Flags. The California Division Of Occupational Safety and Health has also begun an inquiry into the injuries surrounding X2.
Among the affected riders—first reported by CNN in August, alleging that Six Flags offered families of the X2-wounded a tasty McDonald’s meal—were Pamela Guillen, 40, who had to undergo emergency brain surgery and relearn how to walk and talk, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, who, as of this writing, remains in a coma. More legal trouble is mounting for the company: Attorneys at a recent press conference said that at least “100 additional people” are coming forward with X2-related cases of “brain bleeds and other head trauma” over the last two years, per CNN, which also notes reported deaths associated with the ride, with one as recent as June 2022.
As for what’s next for Six Flags, accountability doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. Here’s Oerding again: “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.“ And now, here’s an amusing and totally unrelated clip from the satirical comedy series Mr. Show.
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