Yahoo News Watch: 'Miracle' walkers narrowly avoid massive cliff collapse on Broadchurch beach
This is the shocking moment two beach walkers narrowly avoided being crushed by a 1,000 ton cliff collapse on the beach made famous by ITV’s Broadchurch.
Environment Agency Wessex released footage of rocks falling from East Cliff on West Bay beach, Dorset during stormy weather on March 13.
The dramatic video shows a huge swathe of cliff collapsing onto the sand, just metres away from a pair of walkers who’d been casually strolling along the beach.
Although several people were on the beach at the time of the rock fall, nobody was injured.
The Environment Agency reminded the public that it is “extremely dangerous” to walk near the cliffs when the winds are high.
West Bay featured in the ITV crime drama Broadchurch starring Olivia Colman and David Tennant.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The Jurassic Coast is a popular destination for walkers and fossil hunters.
“Foul weather can cause rock fall from the cliffs so avoid these areas. Heavy rainfall contributes to cliff sumping because of the extra weight and lubrication.
“So it might be tempting to look for fossils or inspect the rock fall, but the risk of further collapse can last for a few days.”
The Facebook post by the Environment Agency reads: “No one was hurt or killed when 1,000 tons of rock collapsed at East Beach during foul weather.
“But it is extremely dangerous to be on or near cliffs when the wind is high and waves are strong.
“There is no minimum safe distance. Be wise: your life is not worth risking for a walk.”
Chief Inspector Lance Cliff, of Dorset Police, said on Tuesday evening: “At this stage it is not believed anyone is trapped following the fall.”
Speaking at the time, a spokesman for Dorset County Council said: “There’s been a large rockfall of approximately 1,000 tons at East Cliff West Bay.
“The police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have closed the coastal path between West Bay and Freshwater.
“The beach is also closed, and there are dangerous overhangs from top of cliff. The public are advised to stay away.”
