http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster
Coincidence, perhaps, but definitely worth noting how I happened upon this page about a week ago and then again today when my husband showed it to me during an interesting discussion about sugar, molasses, and treacle.
He is so brainy. Make my geek heart swell.
From the page: “A large molasses tank burst and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150. “