Update: According to AZ Intel, the loud boom heard across Rhode Island and the Boston area was likely caused by a large bolide, or meteor, entering Earth's atmosphere. A significant flash was reportedly detected by the GOES-19 satellite and does not appear to be associated with thunderstorm activity.
Initial report: Reports of a loud explosion-like sound and a possible sonic boom sparked panic across Rhode Island on Saturday, with many residents initially fearing an earthquake. However, officials said there was no confirmed seismic activity linked to the incident.
Similar booming sounds and shaking were reported in several communities across the Boston area in Massachusetts. Witnesses said buildings rattled and windows shook, prompting a surge of calls to local authorities.
{{/usCountry}}Similar booming sounds and shaking were reported in several communities across the Boston area in Massachusetts. Witnesses said buildings rattled and windows shook, prompting a surge of calls to local authorities.
{{/usCountry}}Despite the widespread reports, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has not recorded any earthquake in the region.
Police and emergency officials said they are still investigating the cause of the disturbance and have not yet identified a source. There have been no confirmed reports of fire, smoke, or explosions.
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Witness reports
Social media quickly filled with accounts from residents who said they heard a loud boom and felt buildings shake across Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts.
One resident wrote on Facebook, "Did anybody else feel that explosion house shaking about 18 minutes ago in the Rhode Island area?"
Another added, "Very loud explosion heard here in Brighton (Boston) and reported by others in Medford, the Cape, Rhode Island...rattled windows etc."
A third person reported, "Widespread multiple reports of explosion type sound and vibrations throughout the state of Rhode Island and stretching All over the Northeast. No confirmed reports by any agency at this time of any cause."
Another commented, "All the way to Coventry and even in Boston. Felt and heard it. It wasn’t local. I wonder if we’re being bombed."
Another person wrote, "I’m in Johnston And my house shook! Very loud."