What was one reason that steamboats exploded?

One reason steamboats exploded was due to the buildup of steam pressure in their boilers. If the pressure exceeded the boiler's design limits, it could cause a catastrophic failure, resulting in an explosion. Inadequate maintenance, poor construction, and the use of substandard materials also contributed to the risk of boiler explosions. Additionally, operators sometimes overfueled the boilers, further increasing the likelihood of an explosion.