2018 New York City Power Plant Explosion

Overview

NYC Con Ed Explosion refers to a mishap at the Con Ed power facility in Queens, New York City that turned the sky in New York City blue. The event led to jokes and theories that aliens had invaded the city.

Background

On December 27th, 2018, a transformer at the Con Ed power facility in Queens, New York City exploded.^[1] Residents reported a loud noise, a hum, and then the appearance of bright blue light in the night sky. Twitter user @_andresrios11 tweeted footage of the aftermath, gaining over 1,700 retweets and 6,500 likes (shown below).

Developments

Officials were quick to establish that the explosion was from a blown transformer and nothing more spectacular. The NYPD, responding to reports, tweeted that there was no sign of "extraterrestrial activity." Nevertheless, the explosion caused widespread confusion as well as power failures at nearby facilities including LaGuardia Airport and Riker's Island prison.

Online Reaction

The early reaction to the explosion from New York City residents came in the form of jokes that perhaps extra-terrestrials had landed. User @JoeKania3 joked "Welcome to New York come for the pizza stay for the aliens," gaining over 80 retweets and 200 likes (shown below).

Other Twitter users made jokes imagining what New York City aliens would be like. User @glossdaya joked the aliens would immediately go buy Air Pods (shown below, left). User @resaleisdead joked they'd immediately buy Timbs (shown below, right). These jokes were covered by Heavy.^[2]

Search Interest

External References