In brief
California’s famed amusement park has decided to permanently close the X2 coaster following complaints from riders who say the ride caused brain injuries. The park says it passed safety tests but chose to act as a precaution once concerns rose. Hundreds of riders are suing the park, and a law firm insists the closure is too late for those already hurt. Critics also cite a 2022 fatality of a 22‑year‑old rider, prompting calls for tighter government oversight of ride safety. The park’s president pledged to replace X2 with a safer attraction while legal experts push for broader regulatory reforms.
California’s famed amusement park announced that the X2 ride will be retired permanently after a wave of complaints from riders who say they suffered brain injuries.
Park officials said the operator had carried out safety tests and believed the attraction met industry standards, but decided to remove it as a precaution once the city of Los Angeles and stakeholders raised concerns.
Hundreds of riders have filed lawsuits and sought medical treatment for concussions, spinal injuries and other neurologic damage that they attribute to the ride. A law firm representing victims states that the closure “comes too late for those already hurt.”
The X2, which replaced the original X coaster in 2003, has reportedly been ridden by more than 16 million people since its launch. Critics argue that the ride’s 360‑degree spinning seats and rapid accelerations could have contributed to the injuries. In 2022, a 22‑year‑old rider, Christopher Hawley, died during a X2 ride; his family settled a wrongful‑death case with the park last year.
Legal analysts say the shutdown highlights a growing call for stricter government oversight and risk‑based regulation of amusement‑park rides, arguing that corporations cannot simply act “after enough harm has occurred.”
The park’s president, Brian Oerding, said, “We will retire X2 to ensure any future guests feel confident in the safety of our attractions.” The park will begin a search for a new ride that meets its safety and thrill standards.
