Episode Guide

Episode 1: Trains
A train derailment in Maryland and a collision in London claim many lives. Has railway maintenance kept pace with the times? Or is the industry on a fast track to disaster?

Episode 2: Avalanches
In British Columbia, a sudden avalanche buries a group of 10th graders on a ski trip. In a matter of minutes, they must dig their way out and leave others behind. See what causes these deadly disasters and the technology that can save lives.

Episode 3: Bridges Collapse
A section of the Bay Bridge collapsed during an earthquake in Northern California, leaving victims dangling for their lives; a bridge collapse caused by a barge in Oklahoma sent motorists to their deaths.

Episode 4: Mudslides
Deadly mudslides in Venezuela and the San Bernardino Mountains clear everything in their path. See what causes mudslides and how architecture is adapting to unstable environments.

Episode 5: Boats
A capsized boat in upstate New York claims the lives of 20 senior citizens, and an evening cruise in Bahrain leaves 70 dead; find out why these tragedies happened and the fundamental problems of boat design.

Episode 6: Heatwave
Heatwaves in Chicago and Paris killed thousands. Survivors give first-hand accounts of the scorching days they will never forget and environmentalists warn there are more heatwaves to come.

Episode 7: Mines
In 2002, two explosions caused a mine in Alabama to burn for three days, making it one of the worst coal-mining disasters in decades. Explore similar mining tragedies and the causes behind them.

Episode 8: Roadways
A fire on a highway in New Mexico and a tunnel fire in France leave motorists fighting flames to survive. Find out what led to these disasters and what could have been done to prevent them.

Episode 9: Planes
A fatal crash in a New York neighbourhood and a near-deadly crash in Quebec raise questions about whether or not the latest generation of planes is able to handle the stresses of high speed and altitude.