The Science Of The Great Molasses Flood

Scientific Minds Want To Know

The Boston Molasses Disaster occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in the USA. A five-story-high metal molasses storage tank burst, and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150.

The thick syrup crushed freight cars, tore Engine 31 firehouse from its foundation and, when it reached an elevated railway on Atlantic Avenue, nearly lifted a train right off the tracks.
Fluid dynamics explains why it was even more devastating than a typical tsunami.