How To Survive

What led to the deadly Itaewon crowd crush on October 29, 2022? Through survivor testimonies and expert analysis, explore the Halloween tragedy in Seoul, South Korea, the science of crowd dynamics, and the systemic failures that contributed to the disaster.

Examine the investigation, the lasting impact on survivors, and the ongoing fight for accountability. Learn why understanding crowd safety matters in preventing future tragedies.

Special thanks to Dr. G. Keith Still, Professor of Crowd Science, for his expertise and guidance. Learn more about his work on crowd safety.

Content warning: This episode discusses a mass casualty event, trauma, grief, and briefly mentions suicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of self-harm, help is available. You are not alone.
US & Canada: Call or text 988 for suicide crisis support.
International: Find a helpline in your country.

Medical disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health provider about medical concerns. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of this content. If you believe you are experiencing an emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Underknown does not endorse specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned. Reliance on this information is at your own risk.

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What does it take to survive America's most notorious prisons and jails? Explore the architecture, strict routines, psychological pressures, and systemic challenges at Alcatraz, Rikers Island, San Quentin State Prison, Miami-Dade County Jail, and ADX Florence.

From legendary escapes and dangerous prison gangs to harsh living conditions, examine how inmates and staff navigate these correctional environments—and how modern reforms seek to address their challenges.

Support & crisis resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, emotional distress, or isolation, confidential support is available 24/7:
• US & Canada: Call or text 988.
• UK: Call 111 (NHS) or 116 123 (Samaritans).
• International assistance: https://findahelpline.com/

Educational disclaimer

This episode is intended strictly for educational, historical, and documentary purposes. It examines criminal justice policy, architectural history, and correctional reform. It does not promote, condone, or encourage violence, self-harm, or illegal activity.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about medical concerns, and never disregard or delay professional advice because of this content. In an emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Underknown does not endorse specific tests, providers, products, procedures, or opinions mentioned; reliance on this information is at your own risk.

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On August 1, 2007, the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis collapsed during evening rush hour. This episode breaks down the survival stories of those trapped, the engineering flaws behind the disaster, and the essential situational awareness techniques that can save lives. Learn about mental rehearsal and vehicle submersion escapes.

Key Moments:

00:00 - The Bridge Gives Way

00:59 - Rush Hour on Borrowed Time

02:37 - Twelve Seconds

06:19 - Submerged

09:52 - The Bus and the Bread Truck

13:12 - Twisted Metal: The Rescue Operation

17:56 - Half an Inch: What Went Wrong

19:35 - Survivor's Guilt & Recovery

21:08 - The Power of Mental Rehearsal

Disclaimer: This is an educational examination of the 2007 I-35W bridge collapse, focusing on structural safety standards and survival responses.

Some made it. Many didn't. Discover the real stories behind disasters and the decisions that made a difference.

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On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was devastated by a terrorist attack. This episode delves into the incredible survival stories, the bravery of first responders, and the crucial decisions made amid the chaos.

Disclaimer: This episode features historical footage and accounts of a tragic event with blurred graphic content to respect victims and adhere to community standards.

Some survived. Many did not. We explore the real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and pivotal moments that made all the difference.

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Explore the intense realities of surviving in the Philippines' most notorious prisons. This documentary delves into Manila City Jail, New Bilibid Prison, and the CPDRC, famous for its dance program. Discover the challenges of overcrowding, the gang-governed Pangkat system, and the life inside dorms at 500% capacity.

Gain insights from Dr. Raymund Narag, a former inmate and now an Associate Professor in Criminology, who shares his firsthand experiences and research on the detention system.

00:00 The Unhinged Prisons of the Philippines
01:51 Manila City Jail: Pre-Trial Detention & Severe Overcrowding
02:57 The Pangkat System: Gang Governance & Self-Regulation
05:54 Sleeping in Shifts: Life Inside Dorm 5
06:48 "Ranch Time" - Surviving on $1 a Day & Medical Risks
10:09 The Prolonged Trial Crisis: Buboy Mendiola’s Story
12:22 New Bilibid Prison: Maximum Security & Corruption
14:12 Money as Oxygen
15:07 Herbert Colanggo: The Inmate Who Cut a Platinum Album
19:28 The Mummified Bodies of Bilibid
20:33 CPDRC: The World-Famous Dancing Inmates
21:56 Life Inside: The Bosyo, Enforcers, & Bartolina
23:17 Byron Garcia & The Creation of the Viral Dancing Program
24:32 The Dark Reality Behind the Choreography
26:09 Scandal & Downfall
28:38 What It Really Takes to Survive the Philippine System

Some succeeded, while many didn't. This episode unravels the real stories behind the hardships and critical decisions faced in prison.

Viewer discretion is advised as sensitive topics such as overcrowding, illness, and historical custodial fatalities are discussed.

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On February 25, 2022, a group of five commercial divers faced a terrifying ordeal off the coast of Trinidad. They were suddenly pulled into a 30-inch underwater pipeline due to an unexpected pressure force known as "Delta P." This episode explores the physics behind the incident, details Christopher Boodram's incredible journey through oil and seawater to survival, and examines the critical safety errors revealed in the official investigation.

VIEWER ADVISORY:
This documentary features discussions and non-graphic re-creations of a real-world industrial accident and emergency survival scenario. Viewer discretion is advised.

FAIR USE DISCLAIMER:
This content includes educational analysis, news archives, official public inquiry footage, and commentary. All external media used complies with Fair Use guidelines (Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976) for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Some survived. Many didn't. This episode delves into the real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and extreme situations, highlighting the decisions that made all the difference.

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On June 29, 1995, the Sampoong Department Store in Seoul, South Korea, collapsed in just 20 seconds, marking one of the deadliest building failures in modern history. Discover the harrowing tale of Yoo Ji-hwan and others who narrowly escaped this disaster.

We delve into the structural failures, ignored warnings, and extraordinary rescue operations where survivors spent grueling weeks trapped beneath the rubble. Hear insights from Steven Lohse, a disaster response specialist from Valor Rescue, detailing crucial actions during a structural collapse.

00:00 The Sampoong Mall Collapse

01:23 Construction & Opening of Sampoong Department Store

02:51 Morning of the Collapse (June 29, 1995)

04:30 The Collapse

06:42 Emergency Response & Initial Rescue Efforts

10:04 Trapped in the Debris

14:52 Investigation & Structural Flaws

17:39 Aftermath & Legal Consequences

Explore real stories of survival and the critical decisions that made a difference. All news archival clips and historical images are used for commentary, educational, and historical analysis purposes under fair use.

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On February 20, 2003, a pyrotechnic display at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, set highly flammable acoustic foam on fire, leading to one of the deadliest building fires in U.S. history.

This documentary episode dives into the sequence of events, fire code violations, and architectural flaws that exacerbated the disaster. It also highlights the emergency response and the inspiring stories of survivors and first responders.

Learn more about the Station Fire Memorial Park: Station Fire Memorial Park

Some survived. Many did not. This episode examines real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and critical moments, as well as the decisions that made a difference.

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On August 12, 2000, two massive underwater explosions sank the K-141 Kursk nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea. While 95 crew members perished instantly, 23 sailors survived in Compartment 9, trapped 350 feet underwater with a dwindling oxygen supply.

This episode delves into the technical failures, the agonizing wait in the dark, and the geopolitical decisions that halted international rescue efforts during one of history’s most harrowing naval disasters.

01:38 The Pride of the Fleet
02:36 The Torpedoes
06:27 Compartment 9
08:11 The Lost Hours
10:27 Pride vs Rescue
12:03 The Deception
13:54 The Knock at the Door
16:49 Raising the Truth

DISCLAIMER & FAIR USE NOTICE:
This content is an educational documentary created for historical and informative purposes. All archival footage, photographs, and media clips are utilized under Fair Use guidelines (Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976) for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, and research. This content handles sensitive historical events with full editorial respect for the victims and their families.

Some made it. Many didn't. This series explores the real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and extreme moments, and the decisions that made all the difference.

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A Carrington-level solar storm poses a 12% risk of impacting Earth every decade. Such an event could trigger an unprecedented global blackout with devastating outcomes. Explore the story of a family racing against time as the power grid collapses and discover the scientific realities of a solar storm's immense power.

Some survived; many did not. Dive into real stories of disasters, tragedies, and critical decisions that made a difference.

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