Passengers rescued from Saltburn tramway after it gets stuck

Fire crews rushed to the scene to rescue 12 passengers, six in each carriage, who were trapped in the 1884-built lift when its brakes became stuck shortly after 2pm on Tuesday.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said it assisted the riders from the tram cars in a rescue that lasted just under 90 minutes while engineers worked to release the cars’ jammed brakes.

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Redcar and Cleveland Council, which runs the tramway, said the lift will remain closed while it investigates how it became stuck.

A spokesperson told the Echo: “As soon as it became clear a tram had stuck on Saltburn Tramway, our team initiated emergency procedures and alerted the Fire Brigade, and then did all they could to assist to help make sure all passengers got off safely after the tram brakes seized.

“We apologise to the passengers for any distress this problem caused.

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“The Tramway will remain closed while we investigate exactly why the hydraulic brakes became stuck and take any action required to prevent it happening again.

“We will reopen this highly popular and very well used Victorian attraction for our visitors to enjoy as soon as possible.”

The lift underwent a refurbishment back in 2018 to restore some aspects of the Victorian lift. It reopened in June last year following a two-year closure due to maintenance and the pandemic.