Britain's oldest rollercoaster was evacuated on Thursday (23 July) after riders say it "derailed."
Reanna Harrison-Berry was riding the Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach yesterday with her boyfriend Aidan Coltherd when the couple heard a "crunch" sound as they went uphill. Seconds later, the pair - both aged 20 - say the cart started to roll backwards.
They say the rollercoaster then "derailed" and everyone was forced to get off the ride.
Spokesperson confirms evacuation, investigation launched
A spokesperson for Blackpool Pleasure Beach would not confirm that the ride, which is Grade II-listed, had come off its tracks. However, they did confirm riders were removed, and that an internal probe has been launched into the ride.
The Big Dipper has remained shut today (Friday, 24 July).
Rider recounts terrifying experience
Reanna told SWNS: "As we went three-quarters of the way up the big hill, it just completely smashed backwards really quickly. The next thing we realised we were tilted to the left and the back carriage was completely to the right – it was quite scary."
The mum-of-one, who was visiting the seaside resort from Kendal, Cumbria, added: "We went pretty quick upwards, but then it juddered and rolled back really quickly. I was terrified, I’m not going to lie.
"I’ve never had that happen on a rollercoaster before. We didn’t really know what to do."
Passengers deboarded, offered compensation
Pictures posted on the social media site Reddit appear to show workers sawing through the rollercoaster’s fencing to de-board shocked passengers.
Reanna says they were then asked to give statements, and offered a free Burger King.
"I couldn’t eat because I was so shaken up, but my boyfriend got a free meal and a couple of other people ate," she said. "Then we got up to give a statement, and we got asked if we were going back to the park, on rides and stuff, or if we were leaving.
"I said, 'I think we’re going home now'."
Official statement from Pleasure Beach Resort
A spokesperson from Pleasure Beach Resort said: "The Big Dipper came to a stop Thursday July 23, around 2pm, at a very low point in the ride. Following this, a manual deboarding took place with guests guided safely by trained operators.
"All guests were checked by first aid trained staff, with no injuries reported. An internal investigation is taking place to determine the root cause."
The Big Dipper was originally constructed in 1923 and re-constructed in 1934. The structure was manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Rides last around three minutes and reach a maximum speed of around 35 mph.
