Encore: Boston Molasses Disaster | A Deadly Deluge | 1

Arthur Jell, an inexperienced USIA executive, was tasked with overseeing the construction and operation of a critical molasses storage tank in Boston, which faced severe construction and maintenance issues due to prioritizing a rapid construction timeline over safety and quality.

Arthur Jell, a relatively inexperienced USIA executive, was tasked with overseeing the construction of the massive molasses storage tank in Boston's crowded North End neighborhood.

Jell lacked the technical expertise to properly design and build the tank, and instead prioritized a rapid construction timeline to meet USIA's production demands.

Arthur Jell, an executive with United States Industrial Alcohol (USIA), was in charge of a project to construct a large molasses storage tank in Boston. Admitting he was unqualified, Jell, who could not read blueprints and had risen from an office boy to treasurer, still took responsibility for overseeing the tank’s construction on Commercial Street. Jell prioritized a rapid construction timeline, driven by the war's demand for industrial alcohol and the prospect of promotion and relocation. Despite repeated warnings from workers about leaks, odd noises, and rust falling like snow from the tank’s interior, Jell dismissed the concerns and reassured individuals like Isaac Gonzales that the tank was in good condition.

Despite repeated warnings from workers about structural issues, leaks, and odd noises coming from the tank, Jell dismissed their concerns and took no action to properly inspect or address the problems.

Despite workers urgently raising issues and an employee reporting thunder-like sounds coming from the tank, Jell responded only by caulking leaks and painting the tank brown, rather than conducting a proper technical assessment or inspection. The tank had been caulked the previous year, and Jell considered the matter addressed. Employees like Gonzales, who brought in pieces of the tank to demonstrate its poor condition, were dismissed. Gonzales's concerns were so great that he even slept by the tank to monitor it and released molasses to relieve pressure.

USIA cut corners in the tank's construction, using substandard materials and skipping critical safety tests in order to meet their deadlines.

The tank was hastily built with thin steel plates that were never properly inspected or tested for strength and durability.

Hammond Iron Works constructed the tank rapidly, under pressure from Jell, who was eager to meet deadl ...

On January 15, 1919, a calamity struck the North End neighborhood of Boston, with the collapse of a massive molasses storage tank unleashing an enormous wave of destruction.

On January 15, 1919, the molasses storage tank suddenly and catastrophically collapsed, unleashing a massive, 25-foot-high wave of thick, brown molasses that raced through the densely populated North End.

The tranquil life of the North End was shattered at 12:30 p.m. when a giant tank holding over two million gallons of molasses fractured. This catastrophic event released a 25-foot high wave of molasses that surged through the streets at 35 miles per hour. Buildings trembled, and a section of the elevated railway was nearly destroyed as the molasses tore away the steel trestle.

The powerful molasses flood destroyed buildings, trapped and killed residents, and damaged the elevated railway tracks, nearly causing a train derailment.

The wave's ferocity demolished buildings, including a wooden-framed house that collided with the railway's trestles. The nearby Firehouse 31 suffered heavy damage, with the second floor collapsing and trapping firefighters below. George Leahy, a firefighter, tragically drowned in molasses. The Bay State Electric Railway offices, although severely affected, withstood the onslaught. Meanwhile, the flood caused structural damage to the elevated railroad's support, leaving a section of rails hanging perilously.

The flood caused immediate chaos and devastation, leaving 21 people dead, over 150 injured, and the surrounding neighborhood in ruins.

The molasses flood was instantly deadly and catastrophic, claiming the lives of 21 people and injuring over 150. The chaos extended beyond immediate destruction, as animals and residents were suffocated or trapped under debris, with some being swept out to the harbor. The loss was palpable, with young Pasquale Iantoska's body being found days after the disaster, identified only by his red sweater.

The molasses flood had a traumatic and long-lasting impact on the lives of the North End residents.

Victims and their families, including young children, suffered horrific injuries and tragic losses during the disaster.

The disaster wrought not only immediate physical devastation b ...

Following the catastrophe, Boston officials and the court system sought to determine accountability for the tragic event.

Boston officials immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the tank's collapse, determined to hold the responsible parties accountable.

In February 1919, Superior Criminal Court Judge Wilfred Bolster released a preliminary report on the accident, slamming USIA for operating a significantly flawed and illegal structure, characterizing the offense as manslaughter through negligence. Arthur Jell, treasurer for United States Industrial Alcohol (USIA), faced off against lawyers, including Choate and Hall, regarding his testament. A compromise by Judge Hugh Ogden allowed Jell's deposition near his New York offices, addressing the potentially decisive nature of his testimony. During the deposition, Jell confessed to having no technical experience or having requested any expert inspections to assess the tank's strength, despite repeated warnings.

The initial investigation concluded that the tank's failure was due to negligence in its construction, not an act of sabotage as USIA had claimed.

Arthur Jell's admissions affected Hugh Ogden's findings. Ogden refuted claims of a bomb or explosion at the disaster site and attributed the collapse to rushed and shoddy construction. Initially, USIA lawyers had deflected blame, suggesting that anarchists were responsible, and maintained the tank had been well-constructed and monitored.

The victims and their families filed a massive class-action lawsuit against USIA, seeking justice and adequate compensation for their losses.

The court consolidated 119 separate claims into the largest class-action suit in Massachusetts history. Hugh Ogden, appointed as the auditor, was tasked with overseeing hearings, gathering testimony, and deciding the viability of a jury trial. The Suffolk County Courthouse hosted hearings beginning in August 1920, where plaintiffs' attorney Damon Hall accused USIA of cutting corners, ignoring faulty design warnings, and neglecting safety in a densely populated area. Although a ...