Red-faced Maureen Shotton went to spend a penny - and got stuck in a superloo for almost two hours.
A huge crowd of onlookers gathered as the drama unfolded on the Quayside in Newcastle.
Maureen, 51, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was marooned in the convenience after the electronic sensor doors broke down.
Passers-by tried to help dislodge the doors without success. Then two passing road sweepers tried to help, but their efforts also failed.
Police were called, but even they were no help.
Finally, firefighters arrived on the scene.
They still could not get the electronic doors open. Instead, the roof was dismantled and a ladder was dropped in to get Maureen out.
She was freed to cheers and claps from the crowd.
Maureen said afterwards: "I was a bit embarrassed to say the least, especially when there was a crowd clapping and cheering as I got out.
"It's one trip to the toilet I'll never forget, and it's a good job I'm not claustrophobic.
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