What were the causes of the Boston Molasses Flood?

What were the causes of the Boston Molasses Flood?

Great Molasses Flood, disaster in Boston that occurred after a storage tank collapsed on January 15, 1919, sending more than two million gallons (eight million litres) of molasses flowing through the city’s North End.

Who caused the molasses flood?

15, 1919, 2.3 million gallons of molasses flooded the north end neighbourhood of Boston, Mass. The reason for the flood could be attributed to human error. Many humans and many errors. But the reason the incident was so deadly could be attributed to temperature.

Why did the molasses tank explode?

Structural defects in the tank combined with unseasonably warm temperatures contributed to the disaster. Local legend has it that on particularly warm days, you can still smell the faint aroma of molasses seeping up from the streets of the old North End.

What damage did the molasses flood cause?

This bizarre and terrifying event, known as the Great Molasses Flood, claimed 21 lives, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 78. Some 150 persons were injured, and the damage to property — much of which had cascaded into nearby Boston Harbor — amounted to about $100 million in today’s money.

Where was the Boston Molasses Flood?

BostonGreat Molasses Flood / Location

Does Boston smell like molasses?

It really did smell like molasses in the North End—for decades. Although it’s been exaggerated a bit in folklore, it’s not an urban legend. The sweet smell of molasses lingered in parts of the North End for years after the tragedy.

What part of Boston was the molasses flood?

North End
This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 21 April 2022. The Great Molasses Flood, also known as the Boston Molasses Disaster, was a disaster that occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

Can people still smell molasses in Boston?

How many horses died in Molasses Flood?

On January 15, 1919, the North End of Boston experienced an odd incident in which 2.3 million gallons of molasses exploded out of a tank and into the city. It knocked out some buildings and even led to a number of deaths. 21 people and 12 horses died.

Has anyone ever drowned in molasses?

About 150 people were injured, and 21 people and several horses were killed. Some were crushed and drowned by the molasses or by the debris that it carried within. The wounded included people, horses, and dogs; coughing fits became one of the most common ailments after the initial blast.

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.

Back To Top