Australia's Worst Disasters

This examination of 14 of the greatest human tragedies witnessed in Australia details the tragic loss of life and speculates on the lessons learned and whether, as a result, such disasters may be avoided in the future.

Disasters include classic and contemporary cases such as Cyclone Tracey, the Westgate Bridge Disaster, the Thredbo Landslide, the demolition of the Canberra Hospital, the Macabbi Games Bridge Collapse, and the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

While no one can predict an arson attack or control the weather, these stories show that factors such as faulty communications, inadequate safety measures and simple human error, often contribute to disasters. Yet interspersed with the tales of loss and destruction, there are stories of courage, grace and good luck.