Roller Coaster Brain Injuries
Lawsuits Allege Over 100 Brain Injuries From Six Flags X2 Roller Coaster
Anonymous
Key Points
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X2 is described as the world’s first “fourth-dimensional” roller coaster, with seats that rotate as the train travels along a 3,600-foot track at speeds of up to 76 mph. The ride debuted as X in 2002 and reopened as X2 after major upgrades in 2008.
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The July 5 incident that preceded the ride’s closure prompted a 9:15 p.m. dispatch by the Los Angeles County Fire Department for an unconscious rider. The county Sheriff’s Department did not open a separate investigation; the fire department and the park’s medical staff handled the matter.
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The parents of Naomi Greer-Wilkinson were expected to speak publicly about her condition; the law firm said she remained hospitalized in a semiconscious state after riding X2.
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Attorney Christopher Bulone accused Six Flags of “willingly gambling with people’s lives” and said, “No ride like that should be allowed to exist,” sharply escalating the attorneys’ criticism of the park’s decision to operate X2.
More than 100 people claim they suffered traumatic brain injuries after riding X2, a high-speed roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, according to CNN. Three lawsuits have been filed, with attorneys planning additional claims based on medical and engineering evidence. One plaintiff, Los Angeles attorney Michael Wilk, required two brain surgeries after a February ride and can no longer practice law, NBC News reported.
The allegations follow a July incident where emergency responders were called for an unconscious rider, prompting the park to close X2. Attorneys say Six Flags knew or should have known about the risks posed by the coaster's rotating seats, 76 mph speeds, and abrupt movements. The park has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
How X2's Design Creates Injury Risk
X2 is the world's first "fourth-dimensional" roller coaster, meaning its seats rotate independently as the train travels. The ride covers 3,600 feet of track at speeds up to 76 mph with sudden directional changes. According to CNN, these features combine to create forces that attorneys claim cause brain trauma. The ride debuted as X in 2002 and reopened as X2 after major upgrades in 2008.
Attorney Michael Wilk's Severe Brain Injuries
Michael Wilk, a Los Angeles lawyer, experienced bleeding and swelling in his brain after riding X2 in February. He underwent two craniotomies—surgical procedures to remove bone from the skull—and remains unable to practice law, NBC News reported. His case illustrates the severity of injuries some riders claim to have sustained from the coaster.
The July Incident That Led to Closure
On July 5, the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded at 9:15 p.m. to an unconscious rider at X2. The county Sheriff's Department did not open a separate investigation; fire department and park medical staff handled the incident. This event prompted Six Flags to close the ride, NBC News reported. Other riders have reported losing consciousness and experiencing ongoing severe injuries.
Attorney Christopher Bulone escalated criticism, telling CNN that Six Flags is "willingly gambling with people's lives" and that "no ride like that should be allowed to exist." The law firm also disclosed that Naomi Greer-Wilkinson remains hospitalized in a semiconscious state after her X2 ride. Her parents were expected to speak publicly about her condition.
Multiple Deaths and Serious Incidents Reported
Attorneys cite reports of more than a dozen serious incidents tied to X2, including at least two deaths, according to NBC News. These allegations add pressure on Six Flags to address safety concerns. The park has not verified the recent claims or responded publicly to the lawsuits. Attorneys argue the company knew or should have known about risks linked to the ride's unique design and operation.
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