The London Beer Flood of 1814

The London Beer Flood of 1814 killed eight people with alcohol. A massive vat containing

over 135,000 gallons of beer ruptured at the Meux and Company Brewery. The explosion triggered

a domino effect, bursting other vats and releasing a total of 388,000 gallons of beer.

A 15-foot wave of beer crashed through the streets of St Giles, demolishing two

houses and flooding basements where entire families lived. Victims drowned

in beer or were crushed by the wave's force. The brewery was taken to court but

ruled not guilty because the disaster was deemed an act of God. Some locals tried

collecting the beer in pots and pans from the streets.