If it WAS polarity, which I'm not saying it was, but, IF, then it would have blown right away. I think. If I remember right, when you reverse the polarity, the dielectric pretty much vanishes and all of the high current flows right through the electrolyte material. That vaporizes the electrolyte and pressure builds, then KA-POW... but it happens fast.
I could be wrong. My brain is filled with bong resin and statistical methods, so my physics might be way off in left field.