A man died when falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12, leading the theme park giant to close nine similar roller coasters at its parks nationwide, including two at Kings Island.
The coasters are temporarily closed "out of an abundance of caution," park officials told USA TODAY, because they are similar to the coaster in Georgia where the fatality occurred. The victim was ejected from the coaster car, fell and hit the ride three times, according to USA TODAY. Four other riders were injured.
Amid the renewed interest in roller coaster safety, who inspects amusement park rides in Ohio? Here's what to know.
Who inspects roller coasters, amusement park rides in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is responsible for
inspecting amusement rides. Its Division of Amusement Ride Safety has employees who regularly inspect more than 4,000 rides across the state, including theme parks, portable rides, aquatic amusement rides and inflatable rides, according to its website.
How often are rides inspected in Ohio?
All amusement rides in Ohio are inspected twice annually, Megahn Harshbarger, chief of communications for ODA, told the Akron Beacon Journal in 2025. Rides require an annual permit and initial inspection before operation. Re-inspections and/or supplemental inspections are performed at various times and locations across the state.
If the ride passes with no issues, it can operate immediately. If ODA flags any safety issues, the operator will have to address them before it can launch.
“A ride may operate after it has been inspected, permitted, and the ride operator has addressed all noted safety compliances,” Harshbarger said.
How does the Ohio Department of Agriculture inspect rides?
ODA employees inspect several aspects of each ride before they can approve it for operation, according to the department website. That includes:
- Observing the ride as it is being assembled.
- A static inspection performed on the equipment when it is not running to ensure that pieces have been assembled correctly and that safety restraints are in good condition.
- An operational inspection performed while rides are running to ensure the mechanical components are working according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Training for ride inspectors includes structural integrity, non-destructive testing, electrical safety, hydraulic systems, braking systems, vehicle harnesses and lap restraints, general signage and ride operations.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Six Flags roller coaster rider died. How does Ohio inspect for safety?
