Summary (tl;dr)

Six Flags Magic Mountain has permanently closed its iconic X2 roller coaster following a history of rider injuries, including brain trauma and fatalities, and mounting lawsuits, despite the park stating the ride consistently passed safety tests.

Essential Background

The X2, originally known as "X," opened in 2002 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, as the world's first fourth-dimension roller coaster. It gained notoriety for its unique design, featuring seats that rotate 360 degrees independently of the track, offering a ride experience of head-first, face-down drops, dives, flips, and twists at speeds up to 76 mph. The ride underwent a $10 million transformation into X2 in 2008, receiving upgrades such as lighter trains and onboard audio, and has since hosted over 16 million riders.

The Full Story

The Six Flags X2 roller coaster has been permanently closed by Six Flags Magic Mountain, with the decision announced on September 29, 2026. This action follows the ride's temporary closure on July 12, 2026, after reports surfaced of two riders suffering severe brain injuries, including hemorrhages, within days of each other that July. In the weeks preceding the permanent closure, new lawsuits were filed, with attorneys representing over 100 individuals alleging traumatic brain injuries sustained from riding X2. While Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding stated that X2 consistently passed numerous safety tests, the park ultimately decided to retire the ride because it was deemed "the right thing to do" in light of affected guest confidence.

Why It Matters

The permanent closure of X2 is a significant event for the theme park industry and thrill-seeking enthusiasts, marking the end of a groundbreaking and highly popular attraction. This decision underscores ongoing concerns about ride safety and the legal liabilities faced by amusement parks, even in cases where rides are reported to have passed official safety inspections. The mounting wave of lawsuits alleging serious brain injuries and prior litigation related to a rider's death in 2022 highlight the intense scrutiny on ride design and operational safety, potentially influencing future roller coaster development and safety protocols across the industry.

Geographic Location

• Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Los Angeles County, California, United States (permanent closure of X2 roller coaster announced)