The Worst Disasters in History

Hello everyone and welcome back to Scary Interesting, in this video we’re going to go over two of the absolute worst disasters in history. The final story is disaster unlike any other you’ve probably heard of, in a spot that is also unlike any other on earth. You’ll see what I mean. As always, viewer discretion is advised.

As per YouTube's new AI disclosure policy, you may see a box pop up that says "Altered or synthetic content". To give specifics on how it's used on this channel, we use it to generate some scenes where real and stock images are not available, as well as some of the AI tools in various programs to speed workflow. Otherwise, all scripts, voiceovers, video editing, etc. is done by humans.

Attributions/Special Thanks for Photographs:
Archives New Zealand, Auckland Museum

This video contains light dramatic reenactment but no actual footage or pictures of anyone being harmed or who has been harmed. The thumbnail is NOT a real image.

Writing and research by Jay Adams

And a huge thank you to the Scary Interesting team of writers, editors, captioners, and everyone else who make this channel possible.

[shannonconnor]

The last story was very inspirational honestly. People are just genuinely good sometimes, and it's heartening to see

[jadeybabes]

New Zealander here - thank you for sharing our Tangiwai disater story. If you ever want another infamous disaster from our country please investigate the 1886 'Mt Tarawera' eruption, it was not only tragic and caused devastation, but also fascinating because the eruption destroyed a natural wonder of the world - the pink and white terraces. It is also well documented here and will have loads of information and stories for you.

[voltic]

"Armed with lanterns, ropes, and brandy". The essentials for a rescue party😂

[haven]

My grandfather witnessed the aftermath of the Tangiwai disaster on the following day. He was 15-years-old at the time, and was travelling with a friend from Wellington when he stopped by to see what happened. People were still digging up bodies, and there were journalists and photographers leaving film canisters everywhere. New Zealand's population wasn't very big, so in his town near Wellington, he knew people locally that either had relatives that were involved in the disaster, or were survivors themselves. He is now 86 and the scene has always stuck with him. It was a truly tragic event.

[juslewissr]

Alfred was clearly a natural badass, and he deserves every bit of recognition that he's received over the last 149 years. I am genuinely happy to hear that he and the other men who went down the side of that cliff were ultimately awarded for their bravery and the selfless acts they committed. They are a true inspiration.

That said, I'm honestly very impressed with their community as a whole. They went out at night into a snowstorm and performed a dangerous and seemingly impossible rescue for a group of people they didn't even know. It's very heartwarming, to say the least. Though this was a disaster story, it actually had a feel-good energy about it. For me to call it "inspirational" or "heartwarming" is a serious understatement, but those are the words that come to mind.

[gojosatoru]

Thank you for not switching your voice for an AI alternative🙏👍👍👍👇

EDITS: thank you everyone for the 2k likes.🙏🙏

[floboboman]

Imagine the courage it took for the rescuers to take a rope and rappel off those cliffs. And the strength it took for those survivors to make it back to safety. Scary interesting story for sure.

[sarahcartier]

Wow Alfred truely was heroic. RIP lost souls of the waves.

[CreditR]

Glad to hear there were some survivors, especially in the second story where an entire village came out to help. What wonderful people.

[AuralayKristine]

I'm genuinely emotional listening to this--not just because the tragedies were horrible, but because of the way the bystanders immediately rallied to start trying to help. You hear this kind of thing over and over, how people instantly jump in to volunteer and try to save each other just on pure adrenaline and instinct. In many cases, before they've even had time to think. I just think it's incredible how many brave people there are out there whose first instinct is to try to save other people, even at the risk of their own lives.

[curbyourshi]

The fact that Alfred got a Silver Medal breaks my heart. Alfred absolutely deserved a Gold Medal. The best of the best.

[azraelevangeline]

I'm from St. John's, and I absolutely love that you talked about this. We tell so many folk tales and ghost stories about it. I apologize for our dialect being very strange. By all logic it should be pronounced 'Pouch' Cove. But it's called 'Pooch' Cove. Similar to the cute world for dog. Our dialect is so strange. But you pronounced Newfoundland right, and for that, Sir, I salute you!

[charlotteinnocent]

One small note on the first story. The woman who went running to alert authorities should also have gotten a medal. If she had stayed to rescue people with her husband countless others would have lost their lives. Someone always has to alert authorities.

[benmcreynolds]

You guys have figured out the coolest ways to visualize things as you narrate your stories. Whatever the process and techniques you guys use are is, Don't change it! There's just such an awesome look & vibe to it all that it adds so much to your guys videos. I love this channel.

[gingercatqueen]

For the algorithm because this channel deserves every view it gets. Thank you! Please don’t change how you do things. It’s great the way it is.

[VgnRaj]

That last story is the sort that should be shared more so than any other tale of tragedy. Disasters are part of the human experience but human kindness and fortitude is something that should be celebrated for eons to come.

[cosmicphoto]

"My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world."
— Fred Rogers (aka "Mr. Rogers")

[heidetermeg]

Your writing, production value and editing has gotten so incredibly good over the years, Sean. I'm amazed at the level of detail you put into every video; Especially events (like these) building up the inevitable disaster and the implications of it. I look forward to every new upload - Because it's a LEARNING experience and it's shedding light on lesser known tragic events that deserve coverage. That - And I truly enjoy your narration.

Thank you for all that you're doing, Sean.

[smittenthekitteninmittens]

As a British the last story and it's sheer heroism restored some of my lost faith in humanity...

[michelledoms]

The Tangiwai disaster! My aunt missed her train that day. She had a guardian angel looking after her.