Beach walkers were forced to sprint for their lives when a huge section of a 150ft cliff suddenly sheared away on the Dorset coast, sending tons of rock crashing onto the sand below. The dramatic collapse, captured on video by shocked onlookers, shows the cliff face cracking and then thundering down in a giant dust cloud as people below turn and run.
Terrifying moment the cliff gives way
Footage from the scene shows several people strolling along the beach beneath the towering cliff when small bits of debris begin to fall, quickly escalating into a full-blown rockfall. Within seconds, a vast chunk of the cliff crumbles, roaring down onto the shore and throwing up a thick plume of dust and rubble. Walkers can be seen breaking into a run, some shouting warnings to others further along the sand.
Witnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound “like thunder” before the main collapse, followed by screams as families and dog walkers dashed away from the danger zone. Miraculously, early reports suggest no serious injuries, although several people were said to be left badly shaken by the near miss.
Why Dorset’s cliffs are so dangerous
The Dorset coastline, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, is made up of soft, unstable cliffs that are highly prone to erosion and sudden collapse. Heavy rain, winter storms, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles weaken the rock and clay layers, making dramatic rockfalls more likely, especially after periods of bad weather. Authorities and coastal wardens frequently warn visitors not to walk directly beneath cliffs or sit against the base, even on apparently calm, sunny days.
Experts note that there is often little or no warning before a major fall, and even small trickles of debris from a face can be a sign that a much larger collapse is imminent. In recent years, several large rockfalls along this stretch of coast have dramatically altered the landscape and, in some cases, completely buried sections of beach.
Safety warnings after the near miss
Following the latest incident, local coastguards and council officials reinforced pleas for the public to keep a wide distance from the base of cliffs when walking along the shore. They advise staying well back, especially at low tide when people are tempted to hug the cliff line to extend their route. Visitors are also urged to pay attention to warning signs and avoid areas where there is evidence of recent movement, such as fresh cracks, tilted fencing, or new debris.
Beachgoers who filmed the collapse have shared the footage as a stark reminder of how quickly a peaceful seaside walk can turn life-threatening. For many locals, the near-tragedy underscores a simple rule on the Jurassic Coast: enjoy the views from a safe distance, because the cliffs can and do fall without mercy.
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