WHAT WENT WRONG: COUNTDOWN TO CATASTROPHE

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary meticulously reconstructs the tragic 1998 derailment of a Deutsche Bahn train near Eschede, Germany. The film delves into the catastrophic failure, tracing its origins to a fatigue crack in the train's bogey that led to a devastating collision with a road bridge. With a reported 101 fatalities and 100 injuries, the disaster was a stark reminder of the potential consequences of engineering oversight. The narrative effectively highlights the subsequent investigations and manslaughter charges, underscoring the profound impact on Deutsche Bahn and German safety regulations. Through the voices of survivors and first responders, the documentary offers a somber yet essential examination of how human error and mechanical flaws can lead to modern-day catastrophes, prompting crucial reforms in safety and emergency protocols.