Blackpool Pleasure Beach has confirmed that its historic Big Dipper rollercoaster stopped during an afternoon run on Thursday, July 23, prompting a manual evacuation of passengers and an internal investigation.
What happened
The resort says the train came to a halt at a low point on the track at about 2pm. Trained ride operators escorted all passengers off the train and first aid‑trained staff checked everyone involved. No injuries were reported and the ride will remain closed while the cause is examined.
"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."
Background and local significance
The Big Dipper is one of Blackpool's most recognisable attractions. Opened in 1923, it holds Grade II listed status and is the oldest operating rollercoaster in the UK. Its place at Pleasure Beach and in the town's seafront heritage means any operational incident attracts close local interest.
Social media footage shared after the stoppage sparked speculation online, with some users claiming sections of the wooden structure were damaged. The resort has not confirmed any structural failure and has emphasised the controlled nature of the stop and the safety checks undertaken on site.
- All passengers were safely evacuated by trained staff.
- No injuries were reported following first aid checks.
- The ride remains closed while an internal investigation is carried out.
Quick facts about the Big Dipper
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year opened | 1923 |
| Listed status | Grade II |
| Top speed | 56 km/h |
| Number of drops | 5 |
Visitors planning trips to Pleasure Beach should check the resort's official channels for updates on the Big Dipper's status. The resort has said it will not reopen the ride until the investigation determines it is safe to do so.
This event underlines the safety procedures that apply to historic attractions: operators are required to follow strict routines for evacuation and incident reporting. The internal probe will establish whether the stoppage was caused by a mechanical issue, a control system intervention or another factor; the resort has not given further technical detail at this stage.
InfoRadar will publish further developments as the investigation progresses and if the Pleasure Beach releases additional findings or a timetable for reopening.
