Mako at SeaWorld Orlando and Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg have both resumed operations following precautionary closures associated with the October 12 fatal incident involving Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Mako reopened on October 20, while Apollo’s Chariot returned to operation on Friday, October 23. Both attractions are manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) and feature similar clamshell-style lap bar restraints to those used on Goliath.
While the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, new reporting from CBS News has provided clarification regarding maintenance records that initially raised questions about Goliath’s mechanical condition.
New Details About Goliath’s Maintenance Records
According to an October 22 CBS News report, Goliath underwent a state inspection on March 16, 2026, which identified bushings that needed replacement. Although inspectors reported no violations or deficiencies, the maintenance recommendation attracted attention following the fatal incident, particularly as questions emerged about the coaster’s passenger restraint system.
However, a person familiar with Six Flags Over Georgia’s operations told CBS News that the bushings identified during the inspection were actually part of Goliath’s wheel bogie assemblies, which help guide and support the train along the track. The source also stated that the recommended replacements had been completed.
This distinction is significant because wheel bogie assemblies serve an entirely different purpose from the locking mechanisms used to secure passengers. While bushings can be found throughout various mechanical systems, those associated with the coaster’s wheel assemblies would not ordinarily have any role in releasing or securing an individual passenger restraint. Based on the information reported, there is currently no established connection between the previously identified bushing replacements and the fatal incident.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the October 12 incident. Officials have not publicly established a cause or determined whether a mechanical failure, operational issue, or combination of factors contributed to what happened.
Although Mako and Apollo’s Chariot have returned to operation, their reopenings do not establish what caused the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. Goliath remains closed pending the investigation, and no official findings have been released identifying a defect affecting the restraint systems used on similar B&M hyper coasters.
Behind the Splash will continue monitoring the investigation for any findings or manufacturer recommendations that could affect attractions at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks.
Source: CBS News, October 22, 2026 — Goliath Investigation and Maintenance Records
