The molasses flood

The Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 was a tragic and unusual disaster that struck the North End of Boston on January 15. A massive storage tank holding over 2 million gallons of molasses burst, sending a 25-foot wave of sticky syrup through the streets at 35 mph. The flood killed 21 people, injured around 150, and caused widespread destruction. Buildings were crushed, streets were swamped, and cleanup took weeks. The event led to significant changes in building regulations and remains one of the most bizarre industrial accidents in American history.