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Big Dipper Stopped and Evacuated After Viral Video Shows Possible Track Damage

Park officials say trained staff carried out a safe manual evacuation with no injuries reported and an internal investigation is under way to find the cause.

Overview

  • The Big Dipper came to a sudden stop with passengers aboard on Thursday, July 23, and trained operators manually escorted riders off at a low point on the circuit.
  • A TikTok posted by a rider appears to show a carriage tilted and sections of wooden track out of alignment, footage that quickly drew widespread attention and raised questions about a possible track split.
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach has confirmed the ride remains closed while it conducts an internal investigation and has not publicly confirmed that the train derailed.
  • Evacuated riders told reporters they heard a crunch, felt cars roll back and were later asked to give statements; some said the park offered free Burger King vouchers to affected guests.
  • The Big Dipper is a Grade II‑listed wooden coaster first built in 1923 and rebuilt in 1934, and its century‑long history, including a 2009 collision, is shaping public debate about the ride’s future and inspection needs.