A burst vat flooded a London slum with 1,470 barrels of beer

In October 1814, an iron hoop on a giant fermentation vat at the Horse Shoe Brewery failed, releasing a wave of porter that smashed through a wall and swept into nearby homes. At least eight people died, and the brewery was later cleared of blame, because the flood was ruled an 'Act of God'.

— Wikipedia, London Beer Flood — 17 October 1814