Ep 1. Stadium Disaster

In the first episode of Engineering Catastrophes season 1, titled "Stadium Disaster," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the greatest disasters in modern sports history. The episode begins by exploring the construction of the Ishøj Stadium in Denmark, which was built in preparation for the European Championship in 1992.

As the narrator explains, the architects and engineers tasked with building the stadium were under immense pressure to complete the project on time and under budget. However, this push for efficiency led to some critical oversights in the design and construction of the stadium, which ultimately proved catastrophic.

The episode then shifts to the day of the European Championship match, where over 16,000 excited spectators had packed into Ishøj Stadium to watch Denmark take on Germany. However, just minutes into the game, disaster struck as a section of the stadium's bleachers collapsed, sending dozens of fans plummeting to the ground below.

As the chaos unfolds, the episode goes into detail about what caused the stadium collapse, including the use of lightweight materials, inadequate bracing, and poor building techniques. Through interviews with structural engineers, architects, and eyewitnesses, viewers gain a better understanding of the tragic events that took place on that fateful day.

With harrowing footage and expert analysis, "Stadium Disaster" is a powerful reminder of the importance of proper planning and construction practices when it comes to building large-scale structures. The episode leaves viewers with much to ponder, including the lasting impact of the Ishøj Stadium collapse on the world of sports and the engineering community at large.