Boston's Great Molasses Flood of 1919
The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston was a catastrophic event caused by the explosion of a poorly constructed tank. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 21 people and significant destruction in the North End neighborhood. It took six years for the responsible company to be held accountable after numerous victims filed a class action lawsuit.
- ▪The explosion of the molasses tank occurred on January 15, 1919, flooding the streets of Boston.
- ▪The tank was constructed without proper engineering oversight and was already showing signs of failure before the disaster.
- ▪Rescue efforts were hampered by the thick molasses, making it difficult to save many trapped victims.
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ScienceOne Winter Day, Workers Poured Some Molasses Into a Tank. 21 People Lost Their Lives.One Winter Day, Workers Poured Some Molasses Into a Tank. 21 People Lost Their Lives.Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919 sounds like fiction, but it was all too real.By Elizabeth RaynePublished: Jun 03, 2026 8:30 AM EDTSave ArticleShare ArticleListen (7 min)7 minBoston Globe//Getty ImagesGear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.
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