In January 1919, the North End neighborhood of Boston was hit with a terrible disaster-The Great Molasses Flood-which left 21 people dead and injured 150 more. The flood occurred when a large storage tank containing 2.3 million gallons of molasses collapsed. The collapse caused a massive wave of molasses to travel down Commercial Street at about 35 mph, destroying nearly everything in its path.
The investigation following the aftermath of the molasses flood revealed that the tank had structural defects. Inadequate construction materials and unsafe building methods were used. It had not been inspected, and the project had not been supervised by qualified engineers.
The disaster prompted nationwide changes to construction codes and building regulations.
Learn more at www.nfpa.org/molasses.
©2011 National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®). All rights reserved.
1 май 2011
