Dramatic video footage has captured the frightening moment when a cliff in Dorset collapsed, causing people to flee in panic as a large dust cloud billowed out. The incident, described as a “rockfall” by the local council, occurred on the Jurassic Coast at West Bay. The cliff face crumbled suddenly just after 4 pm, landing on the beach below in front of onlookers who hurried away from the scene.
Following the rockfall, Dorset Council closed the local path atop the cliff and issued a cautionary alert to beachgoers. Despite the incident, the beach, known for its appearance in the TV series Broadchurch, remained open. The council urged people to be cautious of potential similar occurrences.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency dispatched a rescue team to the area after the cliff collapse, but thankfully, no individuals were found in distress. Rockfall incidents are not uncommon in West Bay, attributed to the sandstone composition of the cliffs in Dorset, which are susceptible to erosion, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Safety measures are in place to prevent harm from these natural events.
A visitor to Dorset at the time of the rockfall expressed relief that no injuries were reported. Suzanne Sears, who witnessed the event with her family, described hearing a loud cracking noise before witnessing the cliff collapse. She praised the swift response of local authorities, noting their rapid arrival at the scene within minutes.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks posed by coastal erosion and the importance of heeding safety warnings when near cliff edges.
