32 hurt in Big Dipper Crash

[ciallkennett]

More than 30 people have been injured in a crash involving two rollercoaster cars at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Two cars on the famous Big Dipper crashed and came to rest 20ft (6m) off the ground at about 1945 BST.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said about 32 "walking wounded" were taken to hospital by ambulance.

A specialist rope team was brought in to help get people off the ride, with stretchers and spinal boards used for the injured.

A number of passengers on the ride suffered whiplash, broken bones and back injuries.

The Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster, opened in 1923.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/8196412.stm

 

[AmandaPanda]

Oh my god, another Blackpool incident! :shock:

Any details of what happened, collision again?

 

[Mark]

It sounds so far seems like a collision indeed.

I just hope it remains as injuries and nothing more then that.

 

[marc]

Did it happen in the station, if not what the hell were 2 trains doing on the track at the same time?

I hope the people hurt get better soon, bad news.

This will probably be the end of the coaster as well now, it was only a matter of time at that place. The Big One last year was a health hazard with that bit of bent track.

But as long as the shows and fountains are ok who cares about the rides.

 

[Rush]

Are they not sure that the riders were injured BEFORE the crash, not as a result of it? :wink:

 

[marc]

Its 21 people now.

 

[gavin]

Any details of what happened, collision again?

two cars had crashed on the Big Dipper.

That would be a "yes" then.

 

[ciallkennett]

It's already been removed from the Major Rides section of the website:

http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/rides/infusion/114/1/

 

[AmandaPanda]

Any details of what happened, collision again?

two cars had crashed on the Big Dipper.

That would be a "yes" then.

Oh crap, oops :lol:

And ^ It was obviously planted then so they could get rid of it to make room for "The Even Big than The Bigger One One" :lol:

 

[marc]

15 people, news is here.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... rash_drama

 

[Ian]

News about certain parks create that race thrill to post it here first. So we do love Blackpool after all!

I want to know what the "Specialist Rope Unit" did!

 

[ciallkennett]

Update from first URL:

At 9pm, firefighters, including the urban search and rescue team and specialist rope rescue team, were still working to rescue one person trapped on the ride.

The two cars were around 20ft off the ground when the accident happened.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It involved 20 people being evacuated from the ride.

"There were two that were more confined than the rest and we used specialist boards to release them."

Crews from Blackpool and South Shore used an aerial ladder platform to rescue the trapped fairgoers.

 

[Mark]

It is unfortunate, I do remember a conversation last year in which we wondered how long it would be before something like this happened... Evidently not long. Purely-coincidental of course but still.

Will be interesting to see how this unfolds and what Amanda's outcome for Big Dipper will be....

 

[Ian]

Now I've read this topic, this is the best line of observationial humour that I've read in a ling time!

But as long as the shows and fountains are ok who cares about the rides.

Do your reckon that the Specialist Rope Unit either used thier ropes to absail down the station walls or to pull the trains apart?

Edit: Apologies, they're actually called the "specialist rope rescue team."

 

[marc]

From the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lanc ... 196412.stm

20ft off the ground, I just can not work out where this happened.

Will find out tomorrow when they upload pictures or people know more.

 

[gavin]

Do your reckon that the Specialist Rope Unit either used thier ropes to absail down the station walls or to pull the trains apart?

Or to start pulling the coaster apart in preparation for a new show! Let the Amanda bashing commence! It's been too long! Where's Bicko?

 

[Smithy]

Well on some random BPB forum I'm reading, someone (most probably Mr.Mowbray given his love for the place ) were told that they'd have items confiscated if they tried to take pictures.

Also, loads of different stories. Broken bones, no injuries, 20ft high, 50ft high.

It's a shame as I really liked the Big Dipper, and there's little to no chance of a replacement roller coaster.

 

[Mark]

Do your reckon that the Specialist Rope Unit either used thier ropes to absail down the station walls or to pull the trains apart?

Or to start pulling the coaster apart in preparation for a new show! Let the Amanda bashing commence! It's been too long! Where's Bicko?

My personal QOTD!!! The bicko bit did make me chuckle. Sorry Bicko

Bear in mind that people have got hurt though guys!

 

[marc]

And they say manual brake men need to be replaced for health and safety!

The only brake run I can think of on this coaster is at the end of the coaster.

Will be interesting when and if we find out what really happened.

 

[Ian]

It'll be a good test of her managership. I'm going to sit back and watch before I give her any slack or praise.