Categories: US News

100 Years Ago Today, 2.3 Million Gallons Of Molasses Flooded Boston In A Horrific Disaster

One hundred years ago today, a tank full of molasses exploded, wiping out an entire section of Boston and killing more than 20 people.

A molasses tank containing 2.3 million gallons of the sticky substance exploded on Jan. 15, 1919, while traveling across Boston’s Commercial Street, The Associated Press reported Tuesday. The explosion killed 21 people and injured another 150, according to AP.

A fireman was among the deceased. Several horses were also killed during the incident.

While the specific cause of the explosion is unknown, experts believe that the bizarre event likely resulted from gas fumes inside the tank that accumulated and pressured, reaching a level high enough to cause the tank to explode.

The explosion sent a 40-foot wave of molasses across the street, leaving decimated buildings, neighborhoods and railroad tracks in its wake.

Purity Distilling Company owned the tank, according to AP.

WATCH:

First responders included crew members from the U.S. ship “Rockport,” who heard and saw the explosion occur. Surgeons and Red Cross members also assisted victims of the spill.

The event has been named the “Great Molasses Flood” of 1919.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org

Grace Carr

Share
Published by
Grace Carr

Recent Posts

Can The Democrats Be This Ignorant On ICE Safety

The Democrats have been floundering since last year when the Biden/Harris election fiasco sent them…

7 hours ago

Burning Bridges?

Elon has been on an all-out assault against Trump. Like a petulant child, he’s reacting…

7 hours ago

Trump Lifts Regs On Drones, Supersonic Flight, Opens Door For Flying Cars

President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on Friday, lifting regulations on aviation technology and…

7 hours ago

Stacey Abrams’ Nonprofit Shelled Out $20 Million To Close Friend’s Law Firm: Docs

Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams’ nonprofit paid more than $20 million to her close…

7 hours ago

Kash Patel Says FBI Has Recovered Anthony Fauci’s COVID-Era Communications

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said on “The Joe Rogan Experience” Friday…

7 hours ago

California Democrats Take Another Shot At Subverting Trump’s Immigration Agenda

California Democrats are pushing through legislation that would make it incredibly more difficult for federal…

7 hours ago