The Great Boston Molasses Flood, By the Numbers
A closer look at the tragedy, 100 years later.
Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
When the tank burst, it released 2.3 million gallons of molasses.
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The explosion sent waves of molasses reaching 15 feet tall through the streets of the North End.
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The waves flowed at 35 miles per hour.
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The tank, which stood 50 feet tall, shot rivets flying in all directions upon collapsing.
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21 people died in the disaster.
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About 150 more people were injured.
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The flood caused $100 million in damage in today’s money.
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It took 80,000 man-hours to clean up the sticky mess.
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After the flood, the tank’s owner, the United States Industrial Alcohol Company, was named in 25 lawsuits.
Learn more about the Great Boston Molasses Flood, 100 years later.
