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Strange History

15 Tiny Historical Mistakes That Caused Massive Disasters

6. Great Boston Molasses Flood: Faulty Tank Inspection

6. Great Boston Molasses Flood: Faulty Tank Inspection
The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 devastated Boston, claiming 21 lives and causing extensive damage.

On January 15, 1919, a massive storage tank in Boston’s North End collapsed, releasing over 2 million gallons of molasses. The tank, built hastily in 1915, had been leaking and emitting rumbling noises, yet continued to be used. The disaster resulted in 21 deaths and extensive property damage. For more details, refer to the Britannica article on the Great Molasses Flood. (britannica.com)

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