In 2008, the world watched as banks collapsed, stock markets crashed, and economies unravelled. In this episode, we explore how risky loans, financial greed, and a housing bubble combined to trigger the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. From Wall Street to high streets around the globe, millions felt the shockwaves — and the aftershocks are still being felt today. Tune in to discover how the global economy nearly fell off a cliff in just a few minutes.

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In 1915, the RMS Lusitania was a symbol of luxury and speed — until a German U-boat turned it into a symbol of tragedy. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the torpedo strike that sent the grand ocean liner to the bottom of the sea, the international outrage that followed, and how one sinking ship helped push the world closer to total war. It’s a tale of war, warning signs, and one very deadly decision on the high seas.

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In 1981, a night of dancing and celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City turned into one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we unpack the shocking collapse of two skywalks packed with people, the design flaw that sealed their fate, and the lasting legacy on engineering practices worldwide. Tune in for a chilling reminder that sometimes disaster is hiding right above our heads.

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When the Costa Concordia set sail, no one expected a disaster worthy of Titanic comparisons—but that’s exactly what happened. In episode 34 of 5 Minute Disasters, we dive into the chaotic wreck of the cruise liner off the coast of Italy in 2012. With a captain’s fateful decisions, a dramatic evacuation, and a ship lying on its side like a stranded whale, this story has all the hallmarks of a modern maritime tragedy. Hit play and find out how a luxury voyage turned into one of the most infamous shipwrecks of the 21st century.

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In Episode 33 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. Striking the Tokyo-Yokohama region on 1 September, the powerful earthquake and the subsequent fires destroyed entire cities, leaving over 140,000 people dead. The disaster reshaped Japan’s urban landscape and exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, leading to significant changes in disaster preparedness. Amidst the tragedy, social unrest and misinformation fuelled violent reprisals, adding to the catastrophe’s impact. Join us as we explore the destruction, aftermath, and long-term consequences of this catastrophic event.

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In Episode 32 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating looting of the National Museum of Iraq, one of the greatest cultural losses in modern history. In April 2003, amid the chaos following the US-led invasion of Iraq, the museum was ransacked, with thousands of priceless artefacts stolen or destroyed. Treasures spanning millennia, from ancient Mesopotamian civilisations to Assyrian and Babylonian relics, were lost to looters and black-market trade. The looting highlighted the vulnerability of cultural heritage during times of war and sparked international efforts to recover stolen items. Join us as we uncover the story behind this tragic event and its lasting impact on archaeology and world history.

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In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the tsunami unleashed towering waves that struck coastal communities across 14 countries, leaving destruction in its wake. With a death toll exceeding 230,000 and millions more displaced, the disaster reshaped global responses to tsunamis and emergency preparedness. Join us as we explore the causes, impact, and lasting legacy of this catastrophic event that changed countless lives in an instant.

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Episode 30 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the catastrophic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the most devastating volcanic disaster in United States history. On 18 May, a powerful explosion shattered the mountain, triggering a massive landslide and releasing an ash cloud that darkened skies for miles. The blast obliterated forests, destroyed homes, and claimed 57 lives, leaving behind a transformed landscape and an unprecedented case study for volcanologists. In this episode, we examine the events leading up to the eruption, the destruction it caused, and the lasting impact it had on science and disaster preparedness.

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