Home and Away’s Most Explosive Finales: The 6 Deadliest Cliffhangers Ever Seen in Summer Bay
As Home and Away gears up for its massive 2025 train-crash finale, one question dominates the fandom: who won’t make it out alive?
Channel Seven has already confirmed that at least one character will die, but viewers will have to wait until 2026 to discover who doesn’t survive the wreck.
The disaster has already sparked theories, panic, and the usual cry one would expect from Alf Stewart: “Stone the flamin’ crows!”
But explosive endings are nothing new for Home and Away. Over the decades, Summer Bay has been rocked by fires, floods, shootings, kidnappings, and shocking deaths.
Here, we revisit the top six finales that still haunt fans today.
6. The Bus Crash Chaos (2014)
Nothing screams “season finale” like several major characters trapped in one life-or-death storyline. The 2014 ending delivered exactly that.
Dr Nate found himself unconscious and soaked in petrol after his unstable ex, Sophie, attacked him. Their struggle led to a horror car accident involving a bus packed with familiar faces, including a pregnant Ricky and Leah.
Meanwhile, Brax charged into the crash site in a third vehicle, desperate to reach Ricky and their unborn child.
It was loud, terrifying, and full of twists—classic Summer Bay.
5. The Deadly Flood (1996)
The Bay was hit by a brutal storm that caused a massive flood.
During the chaos, Sam Marshall fell into a raging river. Michael Ross didn’t hesitate—he leapt in after his foster son. His rescue attempt became one of the show’s most emotional moments.
Michael saved Sam but tragically lost his own life.
It remains one of the finale deaths fans still talk about nearly 30 years later.
4. The Hospital Under Siege (2019)
This finale raised the stakes fast. A violent crime group tied to Robbo stormed the hospital, trapping staff and patients inside.
The tension exploded when nurse Mason stood up to the attackers and paid with his life.
His shocking death stunned viewers and delivered one of the most brutal endings in recent memory.
3. Charlie’s Heartbreaking Shooting (2011)
For many fans, this is the most painful finale of all. Charlie was ready to leave Summer Bay with Brax and start a new life. Instead, vengeful criminal Jake Pirovic ambushed her and shot her twice.
The long wait to learn her fate was unbearable, and the reveal that she didn’t survive shattered viewers.
It marked the tragic end of the beloved Charlie and Brax era.
2. Sally Is Stabbed and Left for Dead (2006)
Sally Fletcher had endured the loss of her husband, Flynn. When life finally seemed to be improving, she was attacked in one of the most shocking ambushes in the show’s history.
Rocco, pressured by his brother, stabbed her and left her bleeding on the floor. The image of Sally fighting for her life became an instant Home and Away classic.
1. The “Who Shot Charlotte?” Mystery (2015)
This finale changed the game. Charlotte King had caused chaos everywhere she went.
By the time she was shot, half the Bay had a motive.
Her murder sent shockwaves through the show and kicked off a full mystery storyline the next year.
When Josh Barrett was finally revealed as the killer, fans were stunned—even the suspects didn’t see it coming.
Home and Away always delivers big, emotional finales—but this year’s train crash looks set to outdo them all. As the 2025 season ends, one thing is clear: nobody produces a cliffhanger like Summer Bay.