A puddle in Newcastle captivated the internet on Wednesday, as it fixated over 547,819 people and sent social media into a spin - sparking political commentary and even canny business opportunities.
In a startling sign we've reached peak internet, the Drummond puddle began trending after the live stream began on mobile broadcast app Periscope showed passersby navigating water in a small park.
Drummond Central, a marketing firm based in Newcastle upon Tyne used the app to broadcast the scene live to the world.
It soon began trending on Twitter, and even made the BBC News Channel, as thousands observed the very British scene through the confines of their devices.
Bottles of water apparently captured from the pothole were quickly placed onto eBay, attracting bids of over £60,000.
Politicians were quick to exploit the puddle's rapidly growing global attention to further their ambitions.
Joining #DrummondPuddleWatch? Might like to think about need to maintain existing roads rather than build new ones. https://t.co/Ag4mhj3dc4
— Natalie Bennett (@natalieben) January 6, 2016
And people across the world were in utter awe at the mundanity (read: brilliance) of the event.
#DrummondPuddleWatch is my best thing right now
— Jenna Amatulli (@ohheyjenna) January 6, 2016A yellow 'don't slip' sign was comically been placed, taken away and then replaced again, at regular intervals.
Office workers huddled round screens in scenes reminiscent of watching a Christmas film with your family.
Keeping a close eye on this developing story. #drummondpuddlewatch pic.twitter.com/bme48xuCV3
— Scott Reid ⚡️ (@scottreid1980) January 6, 2016Office productivity destroyed by #DrummondPuddleWatch pic.twitter.com/xjqpjzbq16
— David Wyllie (@journodave) January 6, 2016This is why I wanted to expand the Guardian's northern office @JoshHalliday is on #DrummondPuddleWatch pic.twitter.com/1fZIEQnyN3
— Helen Pidd (@helenpidd) January 6, 2016
They jubilated when someone decided to take the joke to new heights and bring a lilo.
The prankster posted a selfie mid-drift.
#DrummondPuddleWatch woooo pic.twitter.com/3a5kZSOMhO
— Anthony Kane (@anthonykane) January 6, 2016While spectators looked on in at the scene.
#DrummondPuddleWatch pic.twitter.com/nX4obB8gBz
— Sean Hood (@SeanHood) January 6, 2016Away from Newcastle, most people just offered up some hilarious commentary.
"I'll never let go, Jack" #DrummondPuddleWatch pic.twitter.com/1EssrXIfvQ
— Jonny Gabriel (@JonnyGabriel) January 6, 2016Someone please get Attenborough to narrate an epiode of #DrummondPuddleWatch
— Ronnie Joice (@ronniejoice) January 6, 2016Can’t wait to hear all the stories from hipsters who crossed the Drummond Puddle before it was cool.
— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) January 6, 2016.@drummondcentral on #Periscope: #DrummondPuddleWatch https://t.co/mJGNeeFLIV what a time to be alive pic.twitter.com/ArnGi91aox
— Patrick Smith (@psmith) January 6, 2016#DrummondPuddleWatch has been ruined, like so many other aspects of society, by banter lads.
— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) January 6, 2016If #DrummondPuddleWatch can get over 68,000 viewers, than that'll be more people than watched Katie Hopkins's chatshow. WE CAN DO IT.
— Derek Knight (@delrico) January 6, 2016An NBA basketball team in the United States - the Detroit Pistons - even piled in on the joke.
Wouldn’t want Andre Drummond to land in it #NBAVote 💦💦💦 pic.twitter.com/NAdcpJ2Mof
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 6, 2016
Towards the end of the broadcast, a group of young people are seen cheering close to the puddle.
Incredible numbers tuned in to view the scene.
547,819 people watched #DrummondPuddleWatch live on Periscope. pic.twitter.com/bd0FIgsdxj
— Chris Sacca (@sacca) January 6, 2016A viral sensation us Brits can be proud of.
