NUFORC Sighting 32597

Occurred: 2003-10-23 10:15 Local
Reported: 2003-10-23 09:56 Pacific
Duration: 2 seconds
No of observers: 0

Location: South Kingstown, RI, USA

Shape: Unknown

Loud explosion heard along southern Rhode Island coast.

At 10:15 on Thurs. Oct. 23, 2003, a deafening explosion was heard in the area, coming from SW of Rt. 1 toward the ocean. The explosion was heard in several communities including nearby Pawcatuck, CT. I called 911 as others did. No one knew what it was including the police. A check of the area revealed nothing. The local news channels were told by someone that it was two jets over Block Island breaking the sound barrier. A check with FAA said no jets were in the area; and, this was way too loud to be caused by jets. It was a an incredibly loud explosion that sent birds fleeing in all directions. As of this time the event remains a mystery (13:00 hrs, 10/23).

I will continue to call various federal offices to see what I can find out. This is too weird to just let it go away. There was no smoke seen in the sky or anywhere.

Posted 2003-10-31