Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, permanently closed its X2 rollercoaster on Tuesday, the company announced, ending the ride's 24-year history at the park. The ride had been closed since mid-July amid a growing wave of claims from past riders alleging serious injuries.
X2, which reaches speeds of up to 76mph (about 122km/h) and features seats that rotate 360 degrees, had passed a range of safety tests, the park said. But Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding stated that the decision to retire the ride was "the right thing to do."
Dordick Law Corporation, which has filed civil lawsuits against the park, said it had been contacted by about 400 people alleging injuries they believe were caused by the ride. "They got on X2 expecting a thrill. Instead, they left with catastrophic brain injuries," the firm said in a statement. "Some needed emergency brain surgery. Some are still fighting to get their lives back."
The law firm welcomed the closure to protect future guests but said it "does nothing for the people who have already been hurt."
Originally called X, the ride opened in 2002 but was closed months later for repairs to design flaws. It closed again in 2007 to replace its trains with lighter versions, reopening the following year as X2. Since then, more than 16 million people have ridden it, the park said.
A law firm that represented the family of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022, said the closure was not enough.