A Brewery Disaster Unfolds
On October 17, 1814, a catastrophic industrial accident occurred at the Meux and Company Brewery on Tottenham Court Road in London. A giant wooden vat, containing over 135,000 gallons of fermenting porter beer, burst due to a defective hoop. The immense force of the escaping liquid caused additional vats to rupture, releasing a tidal wave of over 320,000 gallons of beer.
Streets Submerged in Beer
The flood swept through the surrounding area, smashing walls and demolishing homes in the crowded St. Giles slum. The torrent of beer caused extensive damage to buildings, leaving many people trapped or injured as debris filled the streets.
Lives Lost in the Chaos
The flood tragically claimed the lives of eight people. Most were women and children who lived in the nearby tenements. Some drowned, while others were crushed by collapsing structures. Several others sustained injuries during the incident.
Legal Outcome and Aftermath
An inquiry into the event ruled it an “Act of God,” and the brewery was not held responsible. Despite the devastation, Meux and Company Brewery continued operations, though the incident remains one of London’s most unusual industrial disasters.
On October 17, 1814, disaster struck Tottenham Court Road. A giant beer vat at Meux Brewery burst, unleashing 320,000 gallons of porter. A massive wave tore through streets, destroying homes and catching residents by surprise. It became one of London’s strangest tragedies.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/XGNxrVajuZ
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