Ep 5. Derailment at Eschede

On June 3, 1998, a passenger train was on its way to Hamburg from Munich, carrying more than 200 passengers. As the train passed through the small town of Eschede in northern Germany, disaster struck. One of the wheels on the front axle of the first car of the train broke and caused a catastrophic derailment. The train's velocity was so high that when the train derailed, it was launched into the air and then came crashing back down to the ground, horrifying onlookers and killing dozens of passengers instantly.

Seconds from Disaster season 1 episode 5 titled "Derailment at Eschede" delves into the horrific and surreal tragedy that became Germany's worst train disaster in history. The episode takes a deep dive into the events leading up to the derailment, from how the train was constructed and maintained, to the condition of the railway infrastructure, and the possible human errors that could have led to this catastrophe.

The episode features interviews with eyewitnesses and survivors of the train derailment and the families of those who did not make it. One survivor narrates in detail the fears and confusion that took over the passengers in the moments leading up to the crash. He recalls how they felt like they had no control over what was happening. The episode is not for the faint-hearted, as it captures the gruesome details of the derailment and the aftermath. It should be noted that the episode also includes some shots of victims' bodies, which might not be comfortable for some viewers.

The first half of the episode takes a closer look at the train and how it was made. The episode reveals that the train was one of the most advanced in the world at the time, having a top speed of 125 mph. However, it raises important questions about what caused the failure in the first place. Was it fatigue in the axles, or was it a failure in assessing the potential risks of maintaining the train? The episode also talks about the regulation standards for railway units in Germany, which were highly respected worldwide. Were these standards adequate and serious enough?

As the episode delves further, it also uncovers the minimal fault in the track's condition that lead to the enormous event. The tracks at Eschede had a joint, which due to a lack of adequate regulation, was made to the incorrect size and shape. The joint was supposed to provide space for the rail to expand in warmer weather, however, in this case, it didn't. This caused a 'bathtub effect,' which led to the rail buckling on a curve, and the train couldn't bear the instability.

Later on, the episode highlights that cause of the derailment couldn't just happen without ample human error. It takes a closer look at the railway's investigation process and the people who were involved. The episode explores possible human errors that could have contributed to the tragedy — from the railway employees responsible for maintenance, who might have overlooked the danger, to the investigators who may have failed to bring all critical evidence forward.

Overall, Seconds from Disaster season 1 episode 5 "Derailment at Eschede" is an informative, yet harrowing, account of the tragic rail disaster which left 101 people dead, and altered the railway regulations and standard from then onwards. It uses in-depth research, interviews with survivors, and meticulous examination of the available evidence to paint a picture of an event that the world should never forget. It manifestly stretches the importance of stricter investigation and the standardization of the railway industry not only in Germany but worldwide. Furthermore, it increases the viewers' awareness of safety protocols and accountability and how they must always prioritise safety before anything else.