Disasters of the Century

Canadians have always been at the mercy of Mother Nature and her varied weather patterns. Despite the level of preparation for impending dangers, many forces of nature still take us by surprise with tragic consequences.

Life is a journey of coming and goings that lead us to our many destinations. For some, the journey is tragically short. Plans are made, flights are booked, a pleasure cruise anticipated, but when fate is at the helm, the inevitable final destination is death.

In the early part of the 19th century, the world experienced 'The Industrial Revolution'. Fuelled by the perfection of the steam engine, everything from manufacturing to transportation on both land and sea became totally redefined. Yet this revolution also brought with it a darker side that emphasized progress at any cost, exacting from some the ultimate price.

With the completion of the transcontinental railway, Canada is truly one nation, linked from sea to sea. The story of the railroad is one of achievement, but also one of tragedy - part history, part headline.

Featuring disasters such as the Halifax Explosion and the Le Mans race car crash.

Featuring disasters such as the Tangiwai train disaster and the Mont Pelee eruption.

Featuring disasters such as the Quebec bridge collapses and the Boston molasses flood.

Featuring disasters such as the HMS Thetis and the U.S.S. Forrestal.

Featuring disasters such as the Empire State Building crash and the Moose Jaw air crash.

Featuring disasters such as the Minaki Train Crash and the Black Market Express train crash.

Featuring disasters such as The Vajont Dam disaster and the Roger's Pass avalanche.

Featuring disasters such as the Nicaragua Earthquake and the Kwanto Earthquake.

When fire strikes it is often seen as an uncaring force that attached without mercy. Yet fire is neither malicious, nor evil. It is only given these attributes when seen from a human perspective, when lives and property go up in flames.

There are those who believe that life is ruled by destiny and that all living things must surrender to the whims of fate. When fate is cruel and destiny comes too soon, the thread of life can be tragically short.

The story of North America begins with its waterways. From the fishing waters off the east coast to the vast inland seas known as the Great Lakes, magnificent ships of sail and steam have charted the course of our nation's history. But not without a tragic cost.

Human beings have tried to tame water, to span its mighty currents and harness its great power. But sometimes that power works against us, when bridges of steel crumble, and quiet creeks become raging rivers bent on death and destruction.

For the coal miner who excavates the earth and the fisherman who harvests the sea, life and livelihood are dependent on the kindness of nature. When disaster strikes, it is not just human life that is at risk, but the way of life of entire communities.

When we go to work, we don't expect to put our lives in jeopardy, but some jobs have built-in danger. From the coal miner to the factory worker, safety is a constant threat. But making workplaces safe can get in the way of production, and not all employers are willing to sacrifice profit for safety.

From the time the first story was told and the first musical note played, human history has also been the history of the performing arts. But it is also a story of tragedy for those attending the circus one summer afternoon, and those at the movies one winter night.