Valencia, Calif. – Attorneys representing more than 100 former riders of Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2 roller coaster have filed new lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries sustained during the ride over the past two years. The legal action follows a recent CNN investigation that documented dozens of serious injuries and at least two deaths linked to the attraction.
Legal filings and alleged injuries
Civil attorney Christopher Bulone announced the filing of three lawsuits on Tuesday, describing Six Flags’ continued operation of X2 as “willingly gambling with people’s lives.” The plaintiffs claim they suffered a range of brain‑injury symptoms, from severe concussions to massive brain bleeds, after experiencing rapid acceleration‑deceleration forces on the ride.
Among the newly filed suits are the cases of 26‑year‑old Naomi Greer‑Wilkinson, who fell unconscious after the ride and remains in a coma, and 40‑year‑old Pamela Guillen, who required emergency brain surgery and now battles chronic headaches, brain fog, and seizure‑preventing medication. Los Angeles attorney Michael Wilk also sued, alleging massive brain bleeding that required multiple surgeries and left him unable to practice law.
Park’s response and safety defenses
Six Flags declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating only that the ride is currently closed. In past statements, the park has emphasized that a posted warning informs guests of “inherent risks” associated with any amusement attraction and that X2 is regularly tested. Park officials argue the forces experienced on the coaster are not sufficient to cause traumatic brain injury for a “normal” rider who follows the ride’s instructions.
Attorney Gary Dordick, representing many of the new plaintiffs, said the victims reported their injuries to Six Flags, but it is unclear how many of those reports were forwarded to state regulators. “Magic Mountain has known about the dangers of this ride for years,” Dordick asserted.
Regulatory oversight
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees amusement‑park ride safety, has not responded to requests for comment on the new allegations. Previously, the agency declined to discuss the ride’s safety history or the criteria used to deem it safe for reopening after earlier incidents.
Six Flags closed X2 on the evening of July 12, a day after the most recent reported injury, and has not provided a public explanation for the closure. The park’s silence has drawn criticism from victims’ families and consumer‑advocacy groups.
Background on X2
X2 is a “4th‑dimensional” coaster featuring rotating seats that spin 360 degrees while the train travels at nearly 80 mph for about two minutes. The ride has been a marquee attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain for years, drawing thrill‑seekers from around the world.
While the park maintains that the coaster is safe when operated as instructed, the growing number of lawsuits and the recent media investigation suggest a need for a thorough, independent safety review. The lawsuits allege that Six Flags officials had ample notice of the ride’s alleged dangers yet failed to take corrective action.
What’s next?
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The litigation may also prompt state regulators to re‑evaluate the ride’s safety certification and could influence future amusement‑park safety standards across California.
As the legal process unfolds, families of injured riders hope the lawsuits will lead to stronger safety protections for park guests and accountability for any negligence.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
