Great Molasses Flood

Great Molasses Flood

The Great Molasses Flood, also known as the Boston Molasses Disaster or the Great Boston Molasses Flood, occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This unusual and catastrophic event resulted in the death of 21 people and injuries to over 150 others. The flood was caused by the bursting of a large molasses storage tank, releasing over 2.3 million gallons (ca. 8,700 m³) of molasses into the streets at an estimated speed of 35 mph (56 km/h).

Background

The molasses tank was owned by the Purity Distilling Company, a subsidiary of the United States Industrial Alcohol Company (USIA). Molasses was a key component in the production of ethanol, which was used for both industrial purposes and the manufacture of alcohol during the era of Prohibition. The tank, constructed hastily in 1915, had been showing signs of leakage and structural weakness, which were largely ignored by the company.

The Disaster

On the afternoon of January 15, 1919, the temperature in Boston experienced a rapid rise, which may have contributed to the failure of the tank. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise as the tank exploded, releasing a wave of molasses that demolished buildings, overturned vehicles, and inundated streets. The sticky substance trapped people and animals, making rescue efforts difficult.

Aftermath

The cleanup of the affected area took weeks, with hundreds of people contributing to the effort. The disaster prompted a wave of legal actions, known as the "Great Molasses Flood lawsuit," against the United States Industrial Alcohol Company. This case became a landmark in the development of modern corporate law and regulations concerning industrial safety.

Legacy

The Great Molasses Flood remains one of the most peculiar and tragic industrial accidents in American history. It highlighted the need for stricter building codes and safety standards. Today, the event is remembered in Boston's North End with a plaque that commemorates the victims and serves as a reminder of the importance of industrial safety.