The wave reached heights of 40 feet, destroying buildings, overturning rail cars, and crushing everything in its path. Local children who used to collect molasses from the leaking tank now witnessed its deadly force. ποΈ
21 people died and 150 were injured. The cleanup took weeks, with over 300 workers using salt water to break down the thick syrup. For years afterward, residents claimed they could still smell molasses on hot summer days. β³
In court, the tank’s owner was found liable for poor maintenance, leading to significant changes in construction safety laws and corporate responsibility. π