Thredbo landslide remembered 22 years on

Summary

The transcript recounts the tragic 1997 Thredbo landslide in which a freak event buried two ski lodges, trapping 19 people. Rescuers struggled to find survivors in the rubble until firefighter Stephen Hearst detected a sound. After 65 hours, ski instructor Stuart Diver was miraculously rescued alive, although his wife, Sally, perished. The emotional rescue marked the only survival in the disaster. Today, the victims are honored with memorial events, including the Thredbo flare run, to commemorate the lives lost during the tragedy.

Takeaways

• 🚆 Mrs. Ward parked an express train or jet at the beginning of the script.
• 🏔️ A landslide occurred on July 13, 1997, at Thredbo ski resort, burying two ski lodges under debris.
• 🌊 The landslide was triggered by leaking water mains, causing mud to slide down steep slopes.
• 🏠 Nineteen people were trapped under tons of debris, including concrete from the destroyed lodges.
• 🧑‍🚒 Firefighter Stephen Hearst was part of the rescue operation, trained in urban search-and-rescue.
• 🔊 Amid the rescue, Stephen Hearst heard a sound, leading to the discovery of a survivor.
• 🛏️ The survivor was Stuart Diver, who had been trapped under rubble with his wife Sally, who tragically drowned.
• 🛠️ Rescuers had to work carefully to avoid causing further collapse while trying to free Stuart.
• ⏳ After 65 hours, Stuart Diver was rescued alive, marking an emotional moment for all involved.
• 🕯️ The victims of the disaster are remembered annually with memorial events and a Thredbo flare run.

Q & A

What caused the landslide in Thredbo on July 13, 1997?

The landslide was triggered by leaking water mains, which caused mud to thunder down the steep slopes of the Thredbo ski resort.

How many people were initially trapped under the debris following the Thredbo landslide?

Nineteen people were trapped under debris and tons of concrete.

What were the immediate challenges faced by the rescuers in reaching the trapped victims?

The main challenges were the large amounts of debris, tons of concrete, and the fact that the rescuers could hear people calling for help but didn’t know exactly where they were located.

Who was Stephen Hearst, and what role did he play during the Thredbo rescue operation?

Stephen Hearst was one of the few firefighters trained in urban search and rescue at the time. He played a crucial role in the search and rescue efforts by identifying signs of life under the rubble.

How did the rescuers discover the only survivor, Stuart Diver?

Stephen Hearst heard something unusual amidst the noise of concrete cutting machinery and chainsaws. He called for silence, and they heard the voice of Stuart Diver.

Who was Stuart Diver, and what happened to him during the landslide?

Stuart Diver was a ski instructor who became trapped under rubble with his wife, Sally. While Sally drowned, Stuart survived and was found alive after being pinned under slabs of concrete for over 65 hours.

What were the conditions like for rescuers during the Thredbo landslide rescue operation?

The conditions were challenging, with rescuers having to navigate unstable ground, thick debris, and dangerous concrete slabs that couldn’t simply be removed without risking further collapse.

How long did it take to rescue Stuart Diver after the landslide?

It took 65 hours after the landslide for rescuers to find and safely pull Stuart Diver from the disaster site.

What emotional response did Stuart Diver’s survival evoke in the rescuers and the public?

Stuart Diver’s survival was an emotional moment for everyone involved, as it was the only successful rescue, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic situation.

How is the Thredbo landslide tragedy remembered today?

The victims of the Thredbo landslide are remembered through a series of memorial events, including the weekly Thredbo flare run, which is dedicated to those who lost their lives.