Lowestoft rollercoaster breaks down: 27 rescued
BBC News reports on a rollercoaster incident at Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, where 27 people were rescued after being stuck on the Wipeout ride for up to three hours.
Rescue Operation
Firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 13:36 BST on August 31, 2026. An eyewitness described a power cut affecting multiple rides, and video footage captures the moment the carriages come to a stop approximately 15 meters in the air.
The Ride and its History
According to its website, Wipeout is Pleasurewood Hills’ flagship rollercoaster, standing over 40 meters tall. The ride launched in 2007 and underwent a £1 million transformation in 2024-2025, enhancing safety and comfort.
Rescues and Compensation
The fire service successfully rescued all 27 passengers by 17:10, with no reported injuries. Pleasurewood Hills expressed gratitude to the riders for their calmness and offered complimentary tickets as compensation to those affected.
Visitor’s Account
Richard Lines, a visitor from Wymondham, Norfolk, witnessed the incident from a nearby ride. He described a worker tending to the stationary ride and later, the slow rolling of the carriages before a standstill. The fire service utilized an aerial ladder to evacuate the passengers one by one.
Theme Park Response
Pleasurewood Hills emphasized their commitment to guest safety and well-being, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the incident on the final day of the summer season.
