how many people died in the molasses flood
Magazine looks at science behind 1919 molasses disaster Magazine looks at science behind 1919 molasses disaster. On January 15, 1919, 21 people died when a tank at the Purity Distilling Co. in the North End burst, spewing molasses everywhere. Shortly after noon on Jan. 15, 1919, Bostonâs North End was shaken by the bursting of a giant iron tank atop the Purity Distilling Co. on Commercial Street.