Six Flags Magic Mountain said it is permanently retiring X2 after injuries and lawsuits tied to the ride.
Why it matters: The move removes a major attraction from Magic Mountain's lineup and closes a liability issue for the park. It also underscores the legal and safety risk theme park operators face when guest injuries lead to lawsuits.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain said Sept. 29, 2026, it is permanently retiring X2 in Valencia, California.
- The park shut the spinning coaster in July 2026 after two riders reportedly suffered severe brain injuries within days of each other.
- AP reported Sept. 23, 2026, that three new lawsuits alleged traumatic brain injuries from X2.
- Six Flags said X2 welcomed more than 16 million guests since opening in 2008.
Six Flags Magic Mountain said it is permanently retiring X2, its spinning roller coaster in Valencia, California, after injuries and lawsuits tied to the ride. Park president Brian Oerding said, "After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2." Six Flags Magic Mountain
Oerding said ride safety is a cornerstone of the business and that guest confidence had been affected. He also said X2 had "consistently passed a multitude of safety tests," but that the company decided to close it because "we believe it’s the right thing to do." The park had already taken the ride offline in July 2026 after two riders reportedly suffered severe brain injuries within days of each other, according to CNN.
AP reported on Sept. 23, 2026, that three new lawsuits alleged traumatic brain injuries from X2. The Los Angeles Times reported that Six Flags said the ride had passed safety tests but that guest confidence had been affected.
Six Flags said X2 had welcomed more than 16 million guests since opening in 2008.
By the numbers
- 16 million - guests Six Flags said X2 welcomed since opening in 2008.
- 3 - new lawsuits AP reported in September 2026 alleging traumatic brain injuries from X2.
- 2 - riders who reportedly suffered severe brain injuries in July 2026 before the ride was shut down.
Yes, but: The company has said X2 passed safety tests, so the retirement does not by itself establish a defect or legal fault.