The Great Molasses Disaster: A Sticky Tale of Tragedy
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Chapter 1: A Sticky Situation
The story of the Great Molasses Flood is not only peculiar but also tragic. It dates back to 1917 when the world was engulfed in the chaos of World War I.
Purity Distilling Company was ramping up its alcohol production, a necessity for military operations. Many people are unaware that alcohol is a crucial component in the production of explosives like TNT and smokeless gunpowder. The U.S. was consuming vast quantities of smokeless gunpowder during this time.
With this urgent demand, a colossal storage tank was constructed in downtown Boston, an endeavor that would soon lead to disaster. This enormous container stood 50 feet tall and 90 feet wide:
Unfortunately, proper engineering oversight was lacking. The construction site was rife with shortcuts, and leaks often originated at the joints of the materials used. Workers noticed molasses leaking from various cracks in the tank, which they hurriedly patched up with special caulking and painted brown to conceal the issue.
The real danger lay in the fact that the steel used for the tank was only half the thickness required, leading to its vulnerability. Corruption in Boston during that era meant that numerous parties were involved, all reluctant to lose financial gain, which resulted in a multitude of construction flaws.
The Fateful Day
On January 15, 1919, a staggering half a million pounds of molasses arrived from the Caribbean and was added to the already filled tank, which contained over 1.5 million gallons. The temperature in Boston was slightly above freezing, causing the molasses to be thick and sluggish. To facilitate pouring, the warm liquid needed to be heated beforehand.
When the warm molasses was introduced into the tank, it caused a rapid expansion of the contents. Pedestrians passing by noticed the tank emitting ominous groans, both high and low in pitch.
Then came the catastrophic explosion. A deafening blast erupted from the tank, sending a shockwave that knocked numerous individuals to the ground. Metal debris was propelled into nearby buildings, inflicting millions of dollars in damage, and vehicles were tossed about like toys.
A colossal wave of molasses, measuring 25 feet high at its peak, surged down the streets, demolishing cars and obliterating homes. Tragically, three individuals—Maria and Antonio di Stasio, and Pasquale Iantosca—lost their lives in this sticky disaster. Maria suffocated, Pasquale was hurled into a railroad car, while Antonio survived but sustained severe injuries.
The aftermath was grim:
In total, 21 lives were lost, including several horses, while around 150 others suffered injuries, with many enduring respiratory issues for weeks. The scent of molasses lingered in the air around Boston for decades, and some locals still claim they can detect it on warm days—though this may be mere folklore.
Months of cleanup followed, with a dedicated team of a hundred men working tirelessly to remove the sticky residue and debris. The scene resembled that of a tsunami.
Understanding the Physics Behind the Disaster
The peculiarity of this disaster lies in how molasses, typically known for its slow flow, managed to unleash such devastation.
In 2016, Dr. Nicole Sharp, a fluid dynamics expert, sought to investigate this phenomenon. Disasters involving non-water spills are often examined to improve safety and engineering practices.
The key takeaway is that there are two categories of fluids: non-Newtonian fluids, which become thicker under pressure, and sheer-thinning fluids, like molasses, which become less viscous when pressure is applied.
The tank contained an astonishing 26 million pounds of molasses, not counting the weight of the tank itself. The immense pressure from the liquid above caused the molasses at the bottom to erupt with tremendous force, resulting in a wave more destructive than water could have been.
This event, now known as the Great Molasses Flood, remains a fascinating case study, illustrating the potential hazards of corruption and negligence in engineering.
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Chapter 2: The Unbelievable Aftermath
The consequences of the Great Molasses Flood were felt long after the initial event. The cleanup was arduous, and the community was left to grapple with the aftermath.
This video recounts the incredible story of Earth's most epic floods, including the Great Molasses Flood, and the unexpected impacts they had on communities.