The year is 1996 and the resurgence of the disaster movie genre is well and truly back into vogue. Aliens have invaded the world in Independence Day, Twisters have devastated Tornado Alley in Twister and in this film, aging star Sylvester Stallone tries to resuscitate his career from a bigger disaster than all those put together; the previous year's Judge Dredd.

When an explosion tears through the Hudson River Tunnel, sealing off both ends, Dr Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone) has to guide the motley crew of survivors to safety, traversing many and varied obstacles in their way. But not all will be successful, and the questioning of his leadership could jeopardize them all.