One of California's most extreme roller coasters is shutting down after several cases of severe brain injuries.

The roller coaster known as X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has been closed since July 12 after two women suffered severe brain injuries within days of each other. The incidents have raised serious concerns over the safety of the ride, which is among the most extreme attractions in the park. Pamela Guillen, a 40-year-old woman, lost consciousness after riding the attraction and spent two weeks in a coma. Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old, remains in a coma following a severe brain injury. According to documents obtained by CNN, medical professionals who treated both patients linked their injuries to the intense accelerations and decelerations of the ride’s track. The X2, which opened in 2002, features seats that rotate 360 degrees independently while the train reaches speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and descends nearly 65 meters. CNN's investigation revealed that the X2 has been associated with more than a dozen serious injuries over the years. One notable case was that of Selena O'Neil, who suffered a subdural hematoma in 2014 after using the ride. In 2022, a 22-year-old man died from a traumatic cranial injury following a ride on the attraction. Internal documents from the park also show at least 70 complaints related to head and neck injuries in the three years prior to the fatal incident. Despite these reports, Six Flags has maintained that the X2 undergoes regular safety inspections and that the risks inherent in such rides are unavoidable. Legal representatives for the company argue that passengers who follow safety instructions should not suffer injuries of this nature. However, neurosurgeons treating the two recent victims concluded that their injuries were caused by a rapid acceleration-deceleration trauma experienced while on the X2. The ride remains closed as authorities review the latest incidents and have not yet announced a reopening date. Pamela Guillen, still recovering, described the experience as “seconds. You enter being yourself and when you exit you’re a medical emergency.” The mother of Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, whose daughter remains in a coma, called the situation “the hardest thing a human can go through.” The X2 is one of the most popular and thrilling attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Its unique design includes rotating seats and steep drops, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers. However, the recent incidents have sparked renewed scrutiny into the safety measures in place for such high-speed, high-intensity rides. Safety experts have expressed concern over the frequency of reported injuries and the lack of comprehensive data on long-term effects. While some argue that the risk of injury is part of the experience, others believe that the current safety protocols may not be sufficient to prevent serious harm. As the investigation continues, the outcome could influence how amusement parks approach the design and operation of similar rides in the future.