Seconds From Disaster Season 3 Episode 15 King's Cross Fire

On November 18, 1987, one of the deadliest fires in the history of London's transport system occurred at King's Cross Station. Seconds From Disaster season 3 episode 15 uncovers the tragic events that led to the horrific blaze that killed 31 people and injured over 100.

The episode begins by setting the scene at King's Cross Station, a bustling transport hub that services over 135,000 passengers per day. The audience is introduced to the diverse group of individuals who were caught up in the disaster - from commuters, to station staff, police officers, and firefighters. From the very beginning, the atmosphere is tense as we know that something catastrophic is about to happen.

The episode then goes on to explore the fire's origins. At the time, the UK was experiencing a wave of IRA bombings and many believed the fire was a result of terrorism. However, as the investigation progresses, it became clear that the blaze was caused by a discarded match that had fallen on a wooden escalator. The wooden treads on the escalator had been allowed to wear down over time, creating a perfect environment for a fire to start.

As the flames are ignited on the escalator, the episode follows the chain of events that led to the disaster. The smoke from the fire was initially thought to be harmless, but as it began to spread, it quickly turned into a lethal combination of toxic gases that were engulfing the station. The episode explores how the heat and smoke made it almost impossible for people to escape, as many were trapped on packed, narrow staircases. We see how the station's busy layout, with its confusing maze of exits and entrances, made it even more difficult for people to evacuate.

The documentary also focuses on the human cost of the tragedy. We hear from eyewitnesses who recount the harrowing moments they spent trapped in the flames and smoke. We also learn about the heroic actions of the emergency services - particularly those of the firefighters who risked their lives to try and save others. We see how their bravery and quick thinking helped to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the aftermath of the disaster. The footage of the charred remains of the station is a sobering reminder of the loss of life and destruction caused by the fire. We learn about the subsequent safety measures that were put in place, including the banning of smoking on the London Underground and the phasing out of wooden escalators.

In summary, Seconds From Disaster season 3 episode 15 is a gripping account of a tragedy that shocked the world. The episode expertly weaves together eyewitness accounts, archive footage, and expert analysis to provide a detailed insight into the events that led up to the King's Cross fire. As well as providing a fascinating look into the complexities of fire safety and response, the episode is also a poignant reminder of the human cost of disaster.