On This Day, January 15, 1919, one of the most unusual and tragic industrial accidents in American history occurred in Boston, Massachusetts – the “Great Molasses Flood.” When a massive storage tank burst, it released approximately two million gallons of molasses, which swept through the streets of Boston’s North End neighborhood at a tremendous speed.
The tank, owned by the Purity Distilling Company, was 50 feet tall and 90 feet in diameter, containing a vast quantity of molasses used for producing industrial alcohol and, in some cases, for rum. On this fateful day, the tank ruptured, possibly due to structural failure and fermentation gases within the molasses, unleashing a 15-foot high wave of molasses that raced through the streets at an estimated 35 miles per hour.
The impact of the molasses flood was devastating. It demolished buildings, overturned vehicles, and uprooted the elevated railway tracks. The dense, sticky substance trapped people and animals, hindering rescue efforts. Sadly 21 people lost their lives in the disaster, and around 150 were injured. The cleanup of the affected area was a massive undertaking, requiring weeks of effort from workers and volunteers. The harbor water remained brown with molasses until summer.
The Great Molasses Flood was not only a bizarre catastrophe but also a significant event in industrial safety history. The disaster led to a reevaluation of building and construction standards, particularly for containment vessels holding liquid. This incident is remembered as a stark reminder of the importance of industrial safety and the potentially catastrophic consequences of its neglect.
