Shocking video has captured the dramatic moment a section of cliff on Dorset's Jurassic Coast collapsed onto a beach below, sending terrified onlookers running for safety. The incident, described as a 'rockfall' by authorities, occurred at West Bay on Tuesday afternoon, with witnesses describing it as a 'miracle' no one was injured.
The Terrifying Moment of the Collapse
The footage, shared by Dorset Council on social media, shows a substantial portion of the cliff face shearing away and plummeting to the beach just after 4pm. The force of the impact sent a large cloud of dust billowing across the sand. Three people were seen on the beach directly in front of the collapsing cliff, rushing away in panic towards the camera.
Suzanne Sears, a visitor from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, was walking with her family approximately 20 metres from the cliff when the incident happened. She told the BBC she first heard "a deep cracking noise". "I looked up and saw dust falling, followed soon after by a large and loud rockfall, which then created a big pile of rubble and large dust cloud," she said.
Official Response and Safety Warnings
Following the rockfall, Dorset Council acted swiftly, closing the cliff-top path and issuing an urgent safety warning. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency dispatched a rescue team to the area, but confirmed that "no one was found to be in distress".
While the beach—famously used as a filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch—remains open, the council has emphasised the ongoing danger. "The cliff path remains closed. The beach is open but remember that rockfalls and landslips can happen at any time," a council statement read. They urged the public to stay safe by heeding warning signs, keeping to existing paths, and staying away from both the edge and the base of cliffs.
A Common Danger on the Eroding Coast
Rockfalls at West Bay are a frequent occurrence due to the area's geology. The cliffs are composed of sandstone, which is highly vulnerable to erosion, particularly after periods of heavy rain or adverse weather. Measures are routinely in place to monitor the risks, but sudden collapses can still happen.
Reflecting on the narrow escape, witness Suzanne Sears said, "It was a miracle nobody was hurt as the beach was busy with dog walkers and people taking a sunset stroll." She also praised the rapid response from local officials, who she said arrived at the scene within ten minutes of the collapse.
