Six Flags Magic Mountain in California is permanently closing its X2 roller coaster after years of injury reports and lawsuits, multiple outlets reported. The ride had reportedly been closed since July, according to The Washington Times.
CNN reported that the closure followed a CNN investigation that it said exposed years of injuries and deaths connected to the ride. The Hollywood Reporter said the decision came after more brain injury claims were filed against the park.
Six Flags described the move as 'retiring' the attraction, with the park saying 'We believe it's the right thing to do,' according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Outlets differed on the emphasis of the ride's history: Bloomberg and the Los Angeles Times noted X2 had been the subject of lawsuits and a history of injuries, while The Daily Beast and Newsweek framed the closure around brain injury reports and broader safety concerns.
How each side covered it
Left
- CNN reported the closure followed its own investigation into years of injuries and deaths.
- The Hollywood Reporter cited more brain injury claims filed against the park.
- Bloomberg and the Los Angeles Times noted a history of lawsuits and injuries tied to the ride.
- The Daily Beast described the ride as 'iconic' and linked its closure to brain injury reports.
“Six Flags to close world-famous roller coaster after CNN investigation exposed years of injuries and deaths” — CNN
Center
- Newsweek reported the closure was driven by safety concerns.
“Six Flags Shutters X2: Roller Coaster Closed Over Safety Concerns” — Newsweek
Right
- The Washington Times noted the ride had been closed since July before the permanent shutdown.
- The report cited rider allegations of brain injuries.
“Six Flags retires X2 coaster, closed since July, as riders allege brain injuries” — The Washington Times
Questions readers ask
What happened to the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced it is permanently closing the X2 roller coaster after lawsuits and reports alleging riders suffered brain injuries, according to multiple outlets.
Why did Six Flags close the X2 coaster?
Reports cite a history of injuries, brain injury claims, and lawsuits; CNN said its own investigation exposed years of injuries and, it reported, deaths connected to the ride.
When did the X2 coaster stop operating?
According to The Washington Times, the ride had been closed since July before Six Flags confirmed the permanent shutdown.
What did Six Flags say about the closure?
Six Flags said it is 'retiring' the popular attraction, stating 'We believe it's the right thing to do,' according to The Hollywood Reporter.
What did different outlets emphasize about the story?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized lawsuits, a CNN investigation, and brain injury claims, center outlet Newsweek focused on safety concerns, and The Washington Times noted the ride had been closed since July amid rider allegations.
Sources · 10 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningSix Flags Magic Mountain retires X2 roller coaster amid brain injury lawsuits
- BloombergLeft-leaningSix Flags Permanently Closes X2 Roller Coaster Subject of Lawsuits
- CNNLeft-leaningSix Flags to close world-famous roller coaster after CNN investigation exposed years of injuries and deaths
- HuffPostLeft-leaningSix Flags Magic Mountain Retires Roller Coaster Amid Brain Injury Lawsuits
- Los Angeles TimesLeft-leaningMagic Mountain closes X2 coaster permanently after history of injuries
- The Daily BeastLeft-leaningSix Flags Shuts Down Iconic Ride After Reports of Brain Injuries
- The Hollywood ReporterLeft-leaningSix Flags Magic Mountain to Permanently Close X2 Coaster After More Brain Injury Claims
- NewsweekCenterSix Flags Shutters X2: Roller Coaster Closed Over Safety Concerns
- New York PostRight-leaningSix Flags Magic Mountain permanently shuts down X2 after series of catastrophic brain injuries
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningSix Flags retires X2 coaster, closed since July, as riders allege brain injuries