In January 1919, a massive tank holding over 2 million gallons of molasses burst at the Purity Distilling Company in Boston, Massachusetts. The tank’s failure occurred during a period of warm weather following a cold snap, which may have caused the tank's metal to contract, weakening its structure. As the molasses gushed out at an astonishing rate, it created a wave that inundated the surrounding area, reaching heights of up to 25 feet in some places. The surge of sticky liquid traveled through the North End, obliterating buildings and trapping those caught in its path. The aftermath resulted in a scene of chaos as first responders and bystanders struggled to assist the victims while navigating the thick, gooey terrain.Efforts to rescue those swept away by the molasses were hampered by the viscous substance, and numerous people became trapped under the wreckage of structures that were destroyed. The rescue operations revealed the devastating impact of the flood and the need for emergency services to adapt to such unusual disasters. In the weeks following the incident, cleanup crews worked tirelessly to remove the molasses from the streets, a task complicated by the substance’s cohesive nature, which made it difficult to wash away. The event not only affected the local community but also led to increased scrutiny of safety measures in industrial practices throughout the United States.