Big Dipper (Battersea Fun Fair)

John Collins Big Dipper'
a photograph of the Big Dipper' (ride) in 1951
Battersea Park
Name	Big Dipper
Coordinates	51.4794°N 0.1569°W / 51.4794; -0.1569 ⧼validator-fatal-error⧽
Status	Closed
Opening date	May 13, 1951 (1951-05-13)
Closing date	September 22, 1974 (1974-09-22)
General statistics
Type	Wood

Big Dipper was a wooden roller coaster located within Battersea Park, in south-west London, known for the Battersea Park funfair disaster. The ride opened May 13^th 1951 as part of the Battersea Funfair. It gained attention following the fatal accident on May 30, 1972, resulting in the loss of five lives and the subsequent closure of the fair. It was owned by John Collins.

History

Tragedy Strikes (May 30, 1972)

May 30, 1972, a catastrophic accident occurred on the Big Dipper. A three-car wooden train carrying 31 passengers detached prematurely from the drive chain while ascending the first incline. Unable to prevent the backward descent on a steep gradient, the train derailed at the bottom, resulting in the deaths of five children and injuries to 13 others.

Eyewitnesses described the horror of the incident, with passengers helpless as the brake failed, leading to a devastating collision. The tragedy prompted a thorough investigation into fairground safety and resulted in numerous charges of manslaughter. A criminal trial was initiated However, both the park's general manager and the ride's engineer were cleared of charges in November 1973.

Post-Accident Events and Closure (1972-1974)

The Big Dipper tragedy led to increased scrutiny of fairground safety standards. A post-crash investigation revealed 51 faults on the ride, raising questions about the overall maintenance and supervision of amusement park rides.

Despite the replacement of the Big Dipper with a modern steel roller coaster known as The Cyclone, the fair's popularity waned. Coupled with development issues and declining fortunes, Battersea Fun Fair operated for the final time on September 22, 1974., as no permanent attractions like the one established in 1951 would grace Battersea Park again.

See Also

• June 30, 1960, a close-up glimpse of a segment of the roller coaster, highlighting the sign and two additional rides in the frame. The snapshot encapsulates a nostalgic moment in amusement park history. (in color)

  June 30, 1960, a close-up glimpse of a segment of the roller coaster, highlighting the sign and two additional rides in the frame. The snapshot encapsulates a nostalgic moment in amusement park history. (in color)

• 

  May 13, 1951, a historic photograph captured the first-ever aerial view of the ride, featuring vivid details of five visitors enjoying the experience. This snapshot provides a captivating glimpse into the past, frozen in time with the joyous moments of those early riders.

• 

  Battersea Fun Fair on September 9, 1956, about six years after its grand opening. The image depicts a joyous crowd of visitors eagerly preparing to enjoy the rides, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of the amusement park during that era.

• November 14, 1956, a glimpse into the scene approximately 6 years after the ride's grand opening. The image depicts visitors ascending the attraction, utilizing the side rails for their climb.

  November 14, 1956, a glimpse into the scene approximately 6 years after the ride's grand opening. The image depicts visitors ascending the attraction, utilizing the side rails for their climb.

• February 21, 1953, roughly two years after its first public unveiling. The image depicts eight passengers riding the attraction, offering a glimpse into the scene during that historic moment.

  February 21, 1953, roughly two years after its first public unveiling. The image depicts eight passengers riding the attraction, offering a glimpse into the scene during that historic moment.

• October 3, 1961, captures the enchanting waterfront entrance to the Big Dipper, roller coaster and various amusement rides nestled within the Battersea Park funfair. The snapshot offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lively atmosphere of the bygone era

  October 3, 1961, captures the enchanting waterfront entrance to the Big Dipper, roller coaster and various amusement rides nestled within the Battersea Park funfair. The snapshot offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lively atmosphere of the bygone era

• May 30, 1972, portrays a scene of aftermath, featuring a ride technician standing beside one of the train vehicles following the incident. The image encapsulates a moment frozen in time, revealing the aftermath of an event in the realm of amusement park attractions.

  May 30, 1972, portrays a scene of aftermath, featuring a ride technician standing beside one of the train vehicles following the incident. The image encapsulates a moment frozen in time, revealing the aftermath of an event in the realm of amusement park attractions.

• May 31, 1972, a police official diligently involved in the cleanup process following a significant incident. The image encapsulates a moment of responsibility and order in the aftermath.

  May 31, 1972, a police official diligently involved in the cleanup process following a significant incident. The image encapsulates a moment of responsibility and order in the aftermath.

• May 19, 1974, the owner, John Collin, is depicted standing solemnly by the entrance of the ride after its closure. The image carries a poignant narrative, encapsulating the end of an era and the emotional connection between Collin and the amusement attraction.

  May 19, 1974, the owner, John Collin, is depicted standing solemnly by the entrance of the ride after its closure. The image carries a poignant narrative, encapsulating the end of an era and the emotional connection between Collin and the amusement attraction.

External links

• I Survived London's Big Dipper Crash (2013) - Open.abc.net.au
• Survivors of 'forgotten' Battersea Big Dipper rollercoaster crash campaign
• 'Big Dipper' History Profile

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