Six Flags Magic Mountain to retire X2 rollercoaster after CNN probe
- Six Flags Magic Mountain announced on September 30, 2026, that it will permanently retire its X2 rollercoaster after nearly 20 years of operation.
- The decision to dismantle the ride follows a CNN investigation examining fatalities, severe injuries, and thrill-seekers left in comas.
- Brian Oerding, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Oerding's statement added that while the ride consistently passed numerous safety tests, management concluded that closing the attraction was the...
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced on September 30, 2026, that it will permanently retire its X2 rollercoaster after nearly 20 years of operation. Park President Brian Oerding published a statement on the official website detailing the closure of the attraction, which has welcomed more than 16 million guests since opening in 2008.
Closure of the X2 Rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain
The decision to dismantle the ride follows a CNN investigation examining fatalities, severe injuries, and thrill-seekers left in comas. The X2 attraction is one of only three four-dimensional rollercoasters worldwide, featuring seats that rotate 360 degrees independently of the track while trains reach speeds approaching 80mph. Park President Brian Oerding addressed the Six Flags Community regarding the future of the ride.
After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2.
Brian Oerding, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Oerding’s statement added that while the ride consistently passed numerous safety tests, management concluded that closing the attraction was the right choice. The park noted that ride safety remains a cornerstone of its business, and when guest confidence is affected, leadership takes the matter seriously.
Public Reaction and Safety Scrutiny
Enthusiasts reacted to the retirement announcement on social media platforms like X, sharing memories of night rides and expressing surprise at the permanent shutdown. Some users questioned whether the park plans to introduce a successor dubbed X3, though park officials have not confirmed a replacement. The ride’s original manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, went bankrupt over two decades ago. In response to the developments, ReachPLC contacted California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the state body responsible for overseeing amusement park rides, to seek an official response regarding the attraction’s safety record.