Great Molasses Flood: A wave of molasses released from an exploding storage tank sweeps through Boston, Massachusetts, killing 21 and injuring 150.
The Great Molasses Flood: A Catastrophic Urban Disaster in Boston
On the unusually warm afternoon of January 15, 1919, a bizarre yet devastating industrial accident, famously known as the Great Molasses Flood or the Boston Molasses Disaster, struck the bustling North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. This tragic event unfolded near Commercial Street, forever altering the urban landscape and leaving an indelible mark on local history and folklore.
The Rupture and Immediate Impact
The calamity began when a colossal storage tank, owned by the Purity Distilling Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company, catastrophically burst. This immense vessel held an astounding 2.3 million US gallons (8,700 m³) of molasses, weighing approximately 13,000 short tons (12,000 metric tons). The structural failure unleashed a viscous, dark wave of molasses that surged through the streets at an estimated speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). This unexpected deluge possessed immense destructive power:
- It instantly demolished nearby buildings, including a firehouse and several homes.
- The elevated railway structure, a critical part of Boston's public transit system, was significantly damaged, its girders twisted and pillars swept away.
- The sheer force of the molasses wave was so great that it lifted and moved a heavy truck from its foundation.
- Horses were drowned, and several stable buildings collapsed under the weight and pressure.
The immediate human cost was severe: 21 people lost their lives, either crushed, suffocated, or drowned in the thick, inescapable syrup, and an additional 150 individuals sustained injuries, ranging from fractures and cuts to respiratory issues caused by inhaling the fumes and being submerged in the heavy liquid.
Underlying Causes and Negligence
While the immediate cause was the tank's rupture, subsequent investigations revealed significant underlying factors contributing to the disaster. The tank, hastily constructed in 1915, was known to have structural deficiencies, including thin walls and a lack of proper riveting. Furthermore, it had never been tested with water before being filled with molasses, which was intended for the production of industrial alcohol. The sudden spike in temperature on that January day, rising from below freezing to over 40°F (4°C), likely caused the molasses to expand, increasing internal pressure on the already compromised tank. Allegations of negligence against the U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company for insufficient construction and maintenance were central to the extensive legal proceedings that followed.
The Lingering Aftermath and Unprecedented Cleanup
The aftermath of the Great Molasses Flood was one of chaos and a monumental cleanup effort. Rescue workers, police, and ordinary citizens waded through waist-deep molasses to pull victims from the wreckage. The sticky, pervasive nature of the molasses made rescue and recovery incredibly challenging. The cleanup operation was unprecedented in its scale and difficulty, involving:
- Hundreds of workers using fire hoses to spray saltwater from Boston Harbor into the streets.
- Sand was spread to absorb the sticky residue, which was then shoveled away.
- It took weeks, even months, to remove the molasses from streets, buildings, and personal belongings.
For decades, the event permeated local consciousness and folklore, with residents often asserting that on hot summer days, the distinctive, sweet smell of molasses could still be detected in the North End, a testament to how deeply the syrup had permeated the soil and structures.
Legal Ramifications and Lasting Legacy
The disaster led to one of the most significant class-action lawsuits of its time. After years of litigation, a court-appointed auditor found the U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company responsible for the explosion due to negligence. This landmark ruling established important precedents regarding corporate accountability for industrial accidents and was a pivotal moment in the development of modern safety regulations and engineering standards. Today, a small plaque near the former site on Commercial Street commemorates the victims and serves as a somber reminder of this unique and tragic chapter in Boston's history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Molasses Flood
- When and where did the Great Molasses Flood occur?
- The Great Molasses Flood took place on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, specifically near Commercial Street.
- How much molasses was released during the disaster?
- Approximately 2.3 million US gallons (8,700 m³) of molasses, weighing about 13,000 short tons (12,000 metric tons), burst forth from the storage tank.
- How many people were killed and injured?
- The disaster resulted in 21 fatalities and caused injuries to 150 people.
- What caused the molasses tank to burst?
- Investigations determined that the tank suffered from significant structural deficiencies and was hastily constructed. A sudden rise in temperature on the day of the disaster likely caused the molasses to expand, increasing pressure on the already compromised tank, leading to its catastrophic failure. The U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company was found negligent.
- Did the area truly smell of molasses for years afterward?
- Yes, it's a well-known aspect of the event's folklore. Residents consistently reported that for decades following the flood, the area in the North End would still carry a faint, sweet aroma of molasses, especially on warm summer days, due to the syrup having saturated the ground and structures.