Witness - Great London Smog of 1952
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How the worst smog in living memory lasted five days and killed thousands of Londoners. The disaster finally forced the government to tackle pollution.
In 1952, the worst smog in living memory descended over London, reducing visibility so badly that people could barely see a metre in front of them. Public transport came to a standstill, cinemas and theatres closed, and the weekend's football matches were cancelled. The pollution also caused the early deaths of around 5,000 Londoners and finally forced the government to tackle pollution. Witness speaks to Rosemary Merritt, whose father died in the smog. PHOTO: Getty Images.
- Broadcast on BBC World Service, 1:50AM Sun, 9 Dec 2012
- Available until 12:00AM Thu, 1 Jan 2099
- First broadcast BBC World Service, 9:50AM Wed, 5 Dec 2012
- Categories
- Duration 10 minutes
