The Bell Island Boom
One April morning, a deafening blast on a Newfoundland island blew out televisions, burned wiring, and left holes in the ground.
What was reported
Late on the morning of 2 April 1978, a huge bang rang out over Bell Island, in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. It was heard across the bay. In the community of Bickfordville, electrical wiring burned out in several houses, televisions blew up and small holes were found blasted in the ground.
Within days, two scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States arrived to investigate, which led to rumours of secret weapons tests.
Explanations offered
The Los Alamos scientists concluded the most likely cause was a 'superbolt', a rare and extremely powerful form of lightning. Some residents remained unconvinced, partly because of the American scientists' quick arrival. It remains one of Canada's most famous unexplained bangs.
- When
- 2 April 1978
- Where
- Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada
- Witnesses
- Residents across Conception Bay
- Status
- Mostly explained
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.