Six Flags shuts down X2 rollercoaster after more than 100 allege brain injuries

Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park in California, has announced it will permanently close a popular rollercoaster after more than 100 riders alleged they suffered brain injuries.

The X2 rollercoaster, one of the park's main attractions, with long wait times to ride and seats that spin 360 degrees, has been closed since July.

Six Flags said the ride had passed a range of safety tests, but that it had decided to retire it because it was "the right thing to do".

The decision comes after lawsuits and news reports alleged that riders suffered brain injuries after riding X2. A law firm representing some of the plaintiffs said the decision had come "too late" for its clients.

Announcing the closure on Tuesday, , external Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Brian Oerding said: "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."

Dordick Law Corporation, who filed civil lawsuits against the park, said it had been contacted by about 400 people who alleged they had injuries they believed were caused by the ride.

"They got on X2 expecting a thrill. Instead, they left with catastrophic brain injuries," the firm said in a statement. "Some needed emergency brain surgery. Some are still fighting to get their lives back."

The law firm said that while it welcomed the closure of the ride to protect future guests, "it does nothing for the people who have already been hurt".