UK’s tallest rollercoaster The Big One in Blackpool breaks down with riders stuck at the top

The UK’s tallest rollercoaster broke down on Sunday, leaving riders stuck at the top.

Thrill-seekers on The Big One in Blackpool, which is 65 metres (213ft) high, were left stranded.

Their carriages stopped near the highest point of the rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Staff had to mount the rollercoaster then ask customers to take the steep walk back down the structure.

Pictures of stranded riders were posted on social media on Sunday, while a series of TikTok clips posted by user @geo_connor showed the steep walk down the steps alongside the rollercoaster.

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One social media user said: "OMG. Big One stopped right at top today 12ish and the staff had to walk every one down safely. Well done.

"Think I would have been really scared. Then it was sent round the track empty a few times. All worked out OK.”

Another user wrote: "My brother’s in Blackpool and just sent a video of people stuck at the top of the Big One and having to walk down to get off it.

“I’d be welded to my seat. They’d have to get me out with a crane."

Another commented: "Walking people down the Big One in Blackpool. At least they will get their steps done today."

One said: "Can you imagine if I was stuck on the big one, I think I'd be screaming."

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The £12m rollercoaster was the tallest and steepest in the world when it opened in 1994.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach reopened on 12 April as part of the easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown.

A spokesperson from Blackpool Pleasure Beach said: “At 11.30 am on Sunday, 25 April, a stoppage occurred on the Big One lift hill.

“The decision was taken to stop the ride and all riders were safely escorted down the lift hill.

“The ride was checked and reopened at approximately 1pm.”

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