Watch When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside

When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside is a heart-wrenching documentary series from discovery+ that explores the devastating events that took place in Surfside, Florida, that led to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South on June 24, 2021. The series features firsthand accounts from survivors, first responders, and experts who share their experiences, emotions, and expertise surrounding the catastrophe.

The series is hosted by James Franklin, a renowned investigative journalist who has received multiple Emmys for his work, and Steve Rosenthal, a structural engineer with over 25 years of experience in assessing building stability. Together, they provide viewers with critical insights into what happened and why the tragedy occurred.

The documentary series starts by establishing the background and history of the collapsed building, giving viewers an understanding of how the complex was constructed and how it changed over time. It then delves into the events that led to the collapse, from the initial signs of trouble to the tragic moment when the building gave way.

Throughout the series, viewers are given an inside look into the heroic efforts of the first responders who worked around the clock to rescue survivors and recover victims. They hear the harrowing stories of those who managed to escape, as well as the stories of those who tragically lost their lives.

The series also explores the questions raised about building safety and the culpability of those involved in the management and upkeep of the Champlain Towers South. Experts are brought in to examine the possible causes of the collapse, including the potential role of weather and environmental factors, design flaws, construction methods, and maintenance failures.

As the series progresses, viewers witness the aftermath of the disaster and the long road to recovery for those affected. They see the outpouring of support from the community and beyond, and the efforts to provide assistance to those who lost families, homes, and livelihoods in the tragedy.

When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside is a powerful and emotional series that captures the full impact of the tragedy that shook Surfside and the world. It is a tribute to the victims and survivors of the Champlain Towers South collapse and a call to action for those responsible for ensuring the safety of buildings and communities everywhere.

When Buildings Collapse: Disaster in Surfside is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between December 5, 2021 and on discovery+