Functionality Mistakes Throughout History That Were Way Too Expensive to Fix

In 1863, the SS Sultana tragically exploded on the Mississippi River, leading to the deaths of up to 1,547 passengers, far exceeding its capacity of under 400. This disaster was eclipsed by the Civil War’s culmination, rendering it less known.

The Sultana’s demise was due to two boiler explosions, triggered by poor water level management and the use of brittle metal. The dirty Mississippi waters exacerbated the issue, causing clogs that ultimately led to the catastrophic explosion.