Ep 10. Department Store Collapse

Department Store Collapse is the tenth episode of season three of the gripping documentary series, Seconds From Disaster. The episode delves into the terrifying incident that occurred in the upscale Sampoong Department Store located in Seoul, South Korea, on June 29, 1995.

The episode begins by providing some background on the department store, which was a six-story complex located in a bustling area of the city. The store had everything shoppers could desire, from designer clothing to electronics, and brought in thousands of customers every day.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that there were many warning signs that something was wrong with the building. For example, building inspectors had previously discovered that the builders had not been following proper procedures when constructing the floors of the department store. Despite this, the building was permitted to remain open to the public.

The episode then focuses on the fateful day when the disaster occurred. Shoppers on the fifth floor of the department store suddenly heard a loud noise and saw a large amount of dust. Before they knew it, the floor they were standing on collapsed and they plunged down to the ground level. The disaster was horrific, and within minutes, many of those who were on the affected floors were either killed or badly injured.

The show's experts explain that the collapse happened because of the horribly inadequate building materials and poor construction techniques utilized in the department store. Cement had not been mixed correctly, and steel beams had not been properly applied. As a result, the building was highly unstable.

What's even more horrifying is the fact that the building's owners and managers had been warned numerous times in the past that the structure was dangerously unstable. However, they chose to ignore these warnings, and as a result, dozens of people paid with their lives.

The episode goes on to detail the moments after the collapse, where rescue crews worked tirelessly to find survivors buried in the rubble. With the situation so dire, there was initially little hope of finding many survivors. However, as the hours passed, more and more people were found alive and were able to receive medical attention.

The program also highlights the ways in which the government and the people of South Korea responded to the disaster. In the aftermath of the collapse, there was widespread outrage and calls for accountability. This led to a criminal investigation and ultimately, those responsible for the building's construction, inspection, and management were held accountable for the tragedy.

Overall, Department Store Collapse is a gripping and sobering episode of Seconds From Disaster. The show expertly details the events that led up to the disaster and provides a fascinating look into the investigation that followed. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of proper building practices and the devastating consequences that can come from ignoring warnings and cutting corners.