More than 100 people have retained legal representation alleging they suffered brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, according to attorneys representing the plaintiffs. Three new lawsuits were filed Monday in the Superior Court of the State of California, naming Six Flags, ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide, and several individuals as defendants. The injured riders are seeking unspecified damages.
The X2 roller coaster has been closed since July 12, per NBC News Los Angeles. The ride, billed as a 'fourth dimensional' coaster with seats that rotate 360 degrees, reaches speeds of up to 76 mph and features sharp dives and flips. The lawsuits allege the ride’s design poses inherent dangers that riders could not reasonably anticipate.
Pamela Guillen, one of the plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit claiming she suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a ride on July 5 while celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday. Guillen reported feeling confused and disoriented after the ride, with her next memory being waking up in a hospital two weeks later following emergency brain surgery. Her attorney, Gary Dordick, stated at a press conference that Guillen repeatedly hit her head against the ride’s headrest during the ride.
Six Flags and S&S Worldwide have not responded to requests for comment, according to NBC News. The park has not provided an official explanation for the closure of the X2.
Legal Claims and Allegations
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that the X2’s design flaws have caused injuries dating back to the ride’s opening in 2002. Christopher Bulone, an attorney representing Guillen, stated at the press conference, “The design of this ride makes it inherently dangerous, and makes it dangerous in a way that no reasonable rider would expect.” The lawsuits claim the ride’s rotating seats and extreme maneuvers contribute to the alleged injuries.
The plaintiffs’ legal team has retained over 100 individuals in the past two months who reported experiencing symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and memory loss after riding the X2. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Park and Manufacturer Response
Neither Six Flags Magic Mountain nor S&S Worldwide have publicly addressed the allegations or the ride’s closure. The X2, which opened in 2002, was marketed as the world’s first ‘fourth dimensional’ roller coaster, featuring seats that rotate independently of the track. The ride’s description on Six Flags’ website highlights its extreme speed and complex maneuvers, including flips and inversions.
Background on the X2 Roller Coaster
The X2 is a 200-foot-high coaster with a track length of approximately 3,500 feet. It operates at speeds up to 76 mph and includes multiple inversions and sharp turns. The ride’s unique feature is its rotating seats, which spin riders 360 degrees as the coaster navigates its course. The X2 has been a popular attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain since its debut.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigations
The Superior Court of the State of California will review the lawsuits in the coming months. Legal experts note that proving liability in amusement park injury cases can be complex, often requiring expert testimony on ride mechanics and safety standards. The closure of the X2 remains in effect pending further investigation or legal resolution.