Rescue at Pleasurewood Hills

Firefighters rescued all 27 passengers who were left stranded about 15 metres (nearly 50 feet) in the air when the Wipeout rollercoaster at Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, Suffolk, broke down on August 31, a Bank Holiday Monday. The carriages came to a stop on the track, and crews brought everyone down safely without injury, as reported by Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service.

According to a statement from the fire service, crews used an aerial ladder and a scissor lift to bring passengers to the ground. In an earlier update, the service confirmed that the carriages were approximately 15 metres in the air but not upside down, and that firefighters were using "advanced rescue at height equipment" to assist those on the ride.

The incident occurred during a busy holiday period at the park. Pleasurewood Hills has been contacted for comment regarding the breakdown.

The Wipeout Ride

The Wipeout attraction is described on the Pleasurewood Hills website as over 130 feet tall. The park's website also states that the "tropical surfer-themed attraction has undergone a £1 million transformation over the winter of 2024/2025."

Response and Safety

The fire service reported that all passengers were brought safely to the ground and that no one was injured. The carriages were not upside down, and the rescue was conducted without further incident.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service said: "We rescued all 27 passengers and brought them safely to the ground using our aerial ladder and a scissor lift." Earlier, the service noted, "The carriages, which came to a stop on the track, are approximately 15 metres in the air, but not upside down. Crews will be using advanced rescue at height equipment to bring down the ride's passengers."