The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the world's most prestigious motor races. Established in 1923, it challenges both man and machine to compete at the very edge of their ability. In 1955, that challenge led to catastrophe.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/greatdisasters">Support the show</a>

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the world's most prestigious motor races. Established in 1923, it challenges both man and machine to compete at the very edge of their ability. In 1955, that challenge led to catastrophe. Support the show

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the world's most prestigious motor races. Established in 1923, it challenges both man and machine to compete at the very edge of their ability. In 1955, that challenge led to catastrophe.<a href="https://www.patreon.com/greatdisasters" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support the show</a>

1955 Le Mans Crash

Whether natural or man-made, disasters attract a strange mixture of horror and fascination. However, the spectacle of devastation is only ever one part of the story. Take a closer look, and you will find tales of extraordinary human endurance and heroism, stories that veer from the horrific to the oddly humorous, and lessons that can be learned to make our world safer. &nbsp; From the Titanic to the Costa Concordia, the Station nightclub fire to the Pulse nightclub shooting, these extraordinary events – and the people involved – are examined on the Great Disasters podcast, written, researched, recorded and produced by me, Kari Fay. &nbsp; From official reports, first-person accounts, and contemporary media, I delve into the often-appalling details of these events to bring you the full story.

Society & Culture

Documentary

Whether natural or man-made, disasters attract a strange mixture of horror and fascination. However, the spectacle of devastation is only ever one part of the story. Take a closer look, and you will find tales of extraordinary human endurance and heroism, stories that veer from the horrific to the oddly humorous, and lessons that can be learned to make our world safer. From the Titanic to the Costa Concordia, the Station nightclub fire to the Pulse nightclub shooting, these extraordinary events – and the people involved – are examined on the Great Disasters podcast, written, researched, recorded and produced by me, Kari Fay. From official reports, first-person accounts, and contemporary media, I delve into the often-appalling details of these events to bring you the full story.

Whether natural or man-made, disasters attract a strange mixture of horror and fascination. However, the spectacle of devastation is only ever one part of the story. Take a closer look, and you will find tales of extraordinary human endurance and heroism, stories that veer from the horrific to the oddly humorous, and lessons that can be learned to make our world safer. &nbsp; From the Titanic to the Costa Concordia, the Station nightclub fire to the Pulse nightclub shooting, these extraordinary events – and the people involved – are examined on the Great Disasters podcast, written, researched, recorded and produced by me, Kari Fay. &nbsp; From official reports, first-person accounts, and contemporary media, I delve into the often-appalling details of these events to bring you the full story.

Share 1955 Le Mans Crash

Sign up to save your podcasts

1955 Le Mans Crash

1955 Le Mans Crash

More shows like Great Disasters

Stuff You Should Know

Common Sense with Dan Carlin

Disaster Area

48 Hours

Snapped: Women Who Murder

RedHanded

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Addendum

Park Predators

Crimes of the Centuries

Against The Odds

Short History Of...

Real Survival Stories

FPL Podcast from BBC Sport

Sherlock Holmes Short Stories

Adrift