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This six-part series unpicks the events that led to the most devastating disasters of the past 60 years, shining a spotlight on the human cost of the tragedies while seeking to explain the wider political, cultural and institutional context that contributed to them – and looks at the changes made in the wake of each disaster.
Seasons
Episode 1
Paddington Rail Crash
45m
James Nesbitt explores some of Britain's most tragic disasters, starting with the 1999 rail accident at Ladbroke Grove in London that left 31 dead.
Episode 2
Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster
45m
James Nesbitt examines the tragic events of 6 March 1987 when the ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized, resulting in the deaths of 193 passengers and crew.
Episode 3
Piper Alpha
45m
The actor examines the Piper Alpha oil platform explosion of July 1988, one of the most devastating man-made catastrophes to date, in which 167 workers died.
Episode 4
Munich Air Crash
45m
The Munich air crash of 1958, when a flight carrying the Manchester United football team crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway.
Episode 5
King's Cross Fire
45m
The actor explores the King's Cross underground station fire of November 1987, which ignited under a wooden escalator and claimed 31 lives.
Episode 6Latest episode
Grenfell Tower Tragedy
45m
Grenfell Tower: James Nesbitt examines the Grenfell Tower fire. On 14 June 2017, the 24-storey apartment block went up in flames leading to 71 deaths.
