Send us a text The Great Influenza Epidemic: Misnamed, Deadly, and Unforgettable This episode of History's a Disaster, hosted by Andrew, explores the Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918, often misnamed as the Spanish Flu. The virus, caused by the H1N1 strain, spread in three waves during and after World War I, resulting in the deadliest pandemic in recorded history. Despite heavy censorship due to wartime, the flu's impact was devastating, affecting soldiers and civilians worldwide and killing nearly 100 million people. The episode dives into the specific spread of the virus, its symptoms, misconceptions about its origins, and the various public responses and consequences of the epidemic. 00:00 Introduction to the Spanish Flu 02:13 Origins and Early Spread 04:45 The First Wave Hits 08:13 The Devastating Second Wave 16:13 The Third Wave and Aftermath 17:32 Conclusion and Lessons Learned Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com…

Send us a text On February 22, 1978, a Louisville and Nashville train derailed in Waverly, Tennessee, causing a catastrophic propane explosion during cleanup efforts. The incident resulted in 16 deaths, over 200 injuries, and widespread destruction. This episode delves into the details of the derailment, the ensuing explosion, and the emergency response led by Dr. Subhi Ali. It also explores the broader impacts, such as changes in rail safety regulations, the creation of FEMA, and improvements in disaster management practices. 00:00 The Waverly Train Derailment: A Tragic Day 00:40 The Decline of Railroads in the 20th Century 01:45 The Immediate Aftermath of the Derailment 03:36 The Cleanup Efforts and Rising Tensions 08:52 The Catastrophic Explosion 09:44 The Medical Response and Heroic Efforts 17:28 Investigation and Long-term Impact 20:46 Formation of FEMA and Disaster Management Reforms 24:21 Conclusion and Call to Action Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com…

Send us a text The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision: Tragic Prelude to Aviation Reform On June 30, 1956, two passenger planes collided over the Grand Canyon, resulting in no survivors and a devastating disaster that spurred significant changes in aviation safety regulations. This episode of 'History's A Disaster' with Andrew examines the circumstances leading to the collision between TWA Flight 2 and United Airlines Flight 718. The lack of radar coverage, inadequate air traffic control, and the challenges of early aviation technology are discussed, highlighting the human and technical factors that contributed to the tragedy. The aftermath, including public outcry and legislative changes that led to the formation of the FAA, is also explored. The site of the crash has since been declared a National Historic Landmark, cementing its place in aviation history. 00:00 The Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision: An Overview 00:42 Setting the Scene: Air Travel in the 1950s 01:21 The Fateful Morning: June 30th, 1956 02:39 Flight Paths and Air Traffic Control Challenges 07:43 The Collision: A Tragic Encounter 11:16 Aftermath and Investigation 17:17 Impact on Aviation Regulations 21:46 Legacy and Memorial 22:15 Conclusion and Sign-Off Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com…

Send us a text The Tragic Iroquois Theater Fire of 1903 On December 30th, 1903, a fire broke out during a packed matinee performance at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, leading to the deadliest single-building fire in American history, with over 600 casualties. Claimed to be 'nearly fireproof,' the theater's inadequate safety measures and locked exits contributed to the high death toll. The disaster prompted nationwide reforms in fire safety regulations. Despite widespread investigations and lawsuits, no one was held accountable for the tragedy. This episode explores the events leading up to the fire, the chaos that ensued, and its aftermath. Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com…

Send us a text The finale of the Light Brigade. Andrew takes a dive into the end of the Crimean War and the aftermath of the charge Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text This week Andrew takes a dive into the actual charge of the Light Brigade as they attack the Russian guns Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a deep dive into the Crimean War and the events leading up to the most famous cavalry charge in history. Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a look at the shipwreck of the Invercauld off the shore of Auckland Island Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a look at the bombing of Pan Am FLight 103, the investigation and trials that followed and some of the aftermath of this deadly terrorist attack Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a look into the Grafton shipwreck and how they survived trapped on Auckland Island for 18 months Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text On part 2 Andrew takes a look into the life and crimes of serial killer John Reginald Christi Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a dive into postwar London, what happened during the disaster and the aftermath that follows Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a look back at the Susan Smith case, her trial, what shes been up to in prison and her recent parole hearing Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a look at the truth behind the Pied Piper fairy tale. Discussing theories about what really happened Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com

Send us a text Andrew takes a dive into the case of Philip Austin. An English killer who murdered his wife and children Facebook: historyisadisaster Instagram: historysadisaster email: historysadisaster@gmail.com