The closure of the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park in the United States, following reports of a series of serious injuries including brain hemorrhages, has drawn attention to the risks associated with extremely radical rides. Although brain damage is possible on this type of ride, studies show it is rare.
The X2 stands out from conventional roller coasters. What sets it apart from other roller coasters is its "fourth dimension" feature: the seats rotate 360 degrees around the track while the trains reach speeds of nearly 128 km/h (80 miles per hour) for about two minutes.
Six Flags, the amusement park chain that owns the attraction, describes it as a "fifth dimension" adrenaline experience, with spins, flips, and extreme accelerations that provide intense sensations to passengers. The attraction had been operating for years before being closed following the reports of injuries.
