Summary: Three lawsuits filed on behalf of more than 100 plaintiffs allege that the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain has caused numerous traumatic brain injuries, including cases that required emergency brain surgery and a previously settled fatality. X2 — known for independently rotating seats and high-speed spins — has been closed since July 12 with no reopening timeline. Six Flags denies negligence, saying tests show the ride met accepted limits and highlighting routine inspections and safety systems. Attorneys for riders are demanding transparency and warnings about potential risks.
Six Flags' X2 Roller Coaster Faces Lawsuits Alleging 100+ Brain Injuries — Ride Remains Closed
A general view of Six Flags Magic Mountain, which allegedly operated a 'defectively designed ride'. | Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Six Flags Magic Mountain is facing multiple lawsuits alleging that its flagship X2 roller coaster caused more than 100 traumatic brain injuries. The suits, filed after recent media investigations, have raised fresh questions about the ride’s safety and the park’s transparency.
Allegations and Legal Action
Three separate lawsuits — filed by Dordick Law Corporation and representing more than 100 plaintiffs — claim riders suffered serious traumatic brain injuries after riding X2. Reporting by major outlets including The New York Times and CNN documented numerous injury reports; two plaintiffs who appeared in the CNN investigation reportedly lost consciousness after riding and required emergency brain surgery.
About X2
X2 opened in 2002 at Six Flags Magic Mountain and is known for seats that rotate independently as the train travels along the track, spinning riders up to 360 degrees while negotiating drops, flips and twists. The coaster rises roughly 200 feet and can reach speeds up to 76 miles per hour.
Company Response
Six Flags has denied negligence. In court filings related to a different X2 case, the company said testing showed the ride operated within accepted acceleration limits and argued that at least one rider’s brain bleed was caused by a preexisting medical condition. Six Flags also points to routine inspection and maintenance procedures, advanced restraint systems, redundant safety features and industry-standard monitoring.
Claims, Context and Past Settlement
The lawsuits accuse the park of operating a "defectively designed ride" and failing to provide adequate warnings about the risk of serious brain injuries. Dordick Law Corporation says it is actively investigating the incidents. The complaints reference a 22-year-old man who died after riding X2 four years ago; that family later reached a settlement with Six Flags.
Current Status
X2 has been closed since July 12, with Six Flags’ website listing the ride as closed and no reopening date announced. Park officials have provided limited public comment on the closure or the pending litigation.
What’s Next
Attorneys for the plaintiffs are seeking greater transparency and public warnings about the risks they allege are associated with X2. The legal process will determine whether the ride’s design, operation or warnings were inadequate. Meanwhile, industry observers note that U.S. amusement parks generally follow strict inspection protocols, and Six Flags emphasizes its compliance with manufacturer requirements and industry standards.
Note: All injury and liability claims cited in this article are allegations made in lawsuits or media reports; they have not been adjudicated in full by a court at this time.
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