Rollercoaster Rescue Operation
Firefighters Work to Evacuate 27 People Stranded on Pleasurewood Hills Rollercoaster
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Key Points
1
The Wipeout is the only remaining Vekoma Boomerang in the UK, giving the attraction a unique status for Pleasurewood Hills.
2
A man was rescued from the ride in 2017 after it broke down, a prior incident referenced in coverage of the current event.
3
The 2024–25 refurbishment included a new train with waist restraint lap bars, aimed at improving safety and rider comfort.
4
Wipeout was launched in 2007 and was described as the tallest, fastest and most extreme ride in East Anglia, standing about 131 feet tall.
5
The ride layout includes two cobra rolls, in addition to twists and a loop, contributing to its high-profile status during the rescue.
Twenty-seven people were rescued from the Wipeout rollercoaster at Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft after becoming stranded 50 feet in the air on Bank Holiday Monday. The Independent reported that firefighters used height-access equipment to safely evacuate all riders from the 131-foot-tall Vekoma Boomerang ride, which stopped mid-cycle just before 1:30 p.m. The incident occurred on the park's final day of the summer season and prompted an extended rescue operation.
The Wipeout's Unique Role in UK Theme Parks
The Wipeout is the last remaining Vekoma Boomerang rollercoaster operating in the United Kingdom, making Pleasurewood Hills one of few parks with this rare ride type. Launched in 2007, the attraction was billed as the tallest, fastest, and most extreme ride in East Anglia. Its layout includes two cobra rolls, a full loop, and sharp twists designed to create an intense experience for thrill-seekers.
A Recently Upgraded Ride Returns to Service Soon
The Wipeout underwent a £1 million makeover in late 2024, featuring new train cars with waist restraint lap bars for improved safety and comfort. Great Yarmouth Mercury noted the timing of this malfunction came shortly after the ride's modernization. The refurbishment was designed to enhance the passenger experience while maintaining the ride's extreme appeal. Pleasurewood Hills had extended hours for Bank Holiday Monday, making this incident particularly high-profile for the park's busiest day of the season.
History of Breakdowns on the Wipeout Ride
This is not the first incident on the Wipeout. Daily Mail noted that a similar breakdown occurred in 2017, when a man was rescued after the ride malfunctioned mid-cycle. That prior incident also required firefighters and specialized equipment to bring passengers safely to the ground. No injuries have been confirmed in the current incident, and investigations into the cause remain ongoing.
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