Tilted train and demolished bridge racks - consequences of an explosion at a Boston distillery

January 16, 1919 in the American city of Boston exploded alcohol factory. People took the blast for an earthquake. Then a 12-meter wave of molasses swept through the city, from which alcohol was driven.

The wave went at a speed of more than 50 km / h. She overturned the train, destroyed the supports of the overpass and demolished the structures. People and horses, which were hit by a wave, could not get up - in a thick mass almost a meter deep was stuck. The syrup was boiling, and it was difficult to determine if someone was alive there. 21 people were killed and 150 injured. Cleaning the city took six months.

Then in the United States waited for the adoption of "Prohibition". Manufacturers tried to earn as much as possible. The Purity Distilling Company plant in Boston also worked at the limit. They were chasing alcohol from black molasses, a by-product of sugar production from cane.

Syrup roamed in a huge metal reservoir of 15 by 27 meters. Buck began to leak and then exploded.