Great Molasses Flood

On January 15, 1919, a huge molasses storage tank at the Purity Distilling Company on Commercial Street in Boston’s North End burst, unleashing a devastating wave through the neighborhood. The tank, used to store molasses arriving by ship for ethanol production, failed with tremendous force, destroying buildings, damaging the elevated railway, and flooding several blocks with heavy syrup that trapped people and debris. Twenty-one people died and about 150 were injured. Rescue efforts continued for days. Later investigations found major flaws in the tank’s design and testing, and the company was held liable in a landmark Massachusetts class-action case.

Cambridge, Massachusetts · United States