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Why Trains Crash

On 2 June 2023, a triple train crash killed nearly 300 people and injured more than 800 in India鈥檚 eastern Odisha state. This film examines what went wrong and explores the causes of train disasters.

On 2 June 2023, a devastating train crash killed nearly 300 people and injured more than 800 at Bahanaga Bazar station in India鈥檚 eastern Odisha state as two passenger trains collided with a freight train. What caused one of the worst train disasters in modern history? This film forensically examines what went wrong and asks whether it could have been prevented, and if enough is being done globally to ensure our railways are safe.

The film uses eyewitness testimony, archive footage and 3D CGI animations to piece together the moment-by-moment account of this disaster. It recounts the complex rescue and recovery operation, revealing the critical role played by the residents of the nearest villages, who risked their lives to bring survivors to safety in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

The documentary explores what could have caused this disaster and, using case studies of other train accidents, unpacks the science and engineering behind them. It also investigates the pressure put on railway services by maintenance budgets, the greater need for upgrading ageing infrastructures and the significant impact of climate change.

7 months left to watch

58 minutes

Signed Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Carlo Massarella
Executive Producer James Franklin
Producer Alessandra Bonomolo
Director Alessandra Bonomolo

Broadcasts