Six Flags to re-open Texas Giant roller coaster

By | September 10, 2013

NEW_TEXAS_GIANT-blackARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Over Texas announced that it plans to re-open the Texas Giant roller coaster this weekend following the addition of new safety measures for the ride including a modified restraint bar pad and the addition of seat belts.

Six Flags has completed the investigation of the recent accident involving the Texas Giant roller coaster, with the ride train manufacturer, internal engineers and external experts ruling out any mechanical failure of the ride. Due to litigation, the company is not releasing any further information about the outcome of the investigation.

“We are heartbroken and will forever feel the pain and sadness of this tragic accident. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Esparza,” said Steve Martindale, park president of Six Flags Over Texas. “The safety of our guests and employees is our company’s absolute highest priority and we try to take every reasonable precaution to eliminate the risk of accidents.”

The Texas Giant has undergone extensive testing and has received approval from the state of Texas, Department of Insurance, to resume operation.

“The Texas Giant is one of my favorite rides in the park,” added Martindale. “My staff, family and I are pleased to be among the first riders as we prepare to re-open the Texas Giant for our guests.”

Six Flags has successfully operated regional theme parks for 52 years and takes great pride in the quality of its safety record, ride maintenance and employee training, safely delivering approximately 200 million rides each year. According to data gathered by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the industry safely provides approximately 1.7 billion rides annually in the United States and the likelihood of a person being seriously injured on a permanently-located amusement park ride is extremely remote.