Imagine this: You’re 180 feet above the ground, strapped into a rollercoaster, heart racing, and then—everything stops. That’s exactly what happened to a group of thrillseekers on the Big One at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach in the UK.
On a chilly, windy Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the iconic rollercoaster came to an abrupt halt due to sudden weather changes. Riders were forced to abandon their seats and make the nerve-wracking descent down the ride’s emergency stairs—a steep 180-foot drop that would make even the bravest feel a little wobbly.
This was the ride after us yesterday on The Big One at #Blackpool It was cold, raining and quite windy!! Staff did great job getting everyone down though!! 🎢 pic.twitter.com/ETd7yfEvwE
— Richie (@DanblueEFC) April 12, 2023
One bystander, Twitter user @DanblueEFC, captured the dramatic moment and shared: “It was cold, raining, and quite windy! Staff did a great job getting everyone down, though!”
Georgina Harrison, manager of King’s Boutique Hotel with a clear view of the Big One, described the scene as calm and well-handled. “We can see everything that happens on the Big One,” she said. “This does happen occasionally, but it was all very orderly.” When asked if she’d ever dared to ride the coaster herself, Harrison didn’t hesitate. “Definitely not. I’m happy to just watch from afar.”
This is the moment The Big One in Blackpool ground to a halt after a sudden change in weather conditions.
— ITV Granada Reports (@GranadaReports) April 13, 2023
Passengers had to walk down from the peak of the rollercoaster.
Read more: https://t.co/GWxVh9Oudi pic.twitter.com/UEIGyIHxwX
Blackpool Pleasure Beach reassured the public that guest safety remains their top priority. “At 2:50 PM, the Big One train was stopped on the lift hill due to sudden changes in weather conditions,” a spokesperson explained. “Guests were reassured and escorted safely from the ride. Due to high gusts of wind, the Big One remained closed for the rest of the day.”
This isn’t the first time the towering coaster, which opened in 1994 and once held the title of the world’s tallest and steepest, has seen its riders stranded mid-air. In May last year, a brief malfunction left passengers stuck for 20 minutes. And in September, another breakdown required staff to rescue riders halfway up the track.
Despite these hiccups, the Big One remains a beloved (if intimidating) attraction. Stretching over a mile and reaching speeds of up to 85mph, it still holds the title of the tallest rollercoaster in Britain. While it no longer reigns globally—Japan’s Fujiyama snatched the title in 1996—its legacy endures.
For those who dare, the thrill is unforgettable. For the faint-hearted, the park’s cheeky warning says it all: “Not recommended for wimps.”
Would you face the 180ft walk of shame—or triumph? Let us know in the comments and share this wild tale with your friends who love a good adrenaline rush!
