On January 25, 1919, a catastrophic event known as the Great Molasses Flood occurred in Boston, Massachusetts. A large molasses storage tank, owned by the Purity Distilling Company, burst open, releasing a wave of molasses that surged through the streets at an estimated speed of 35 mph. The flood killed 21 people and injured 150 others as the sticky liquid swept away buildings, vehicles, and people. The incident was caused by a combination of factors, including the tanks poor construction and fluctuating temperatures that caused the molasses to expand. The tragedy led to new regulations regarding industrial safety and construction standards, particularly for storage tanks.