Powerful explosion frightens Washington, D.C. residents - sonic boom hits city after planes go supersonic
Residents of Washington D.C. were startled by a massive explosion. However, the cause was the transition of the planes to supersonic speeds.
Here's What We Know
Some residents said their houses shook and the sound was unlike anything they had ever heard before. The explosion was heard in Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas as far away as Virginia Beach. It happened at about 3pm local time on 4 June.
Oops. DC Air National Guard and an F-16 from Atlantic City. I think the AC F-16 went supersonic, according to the brilliant folks over at RadioReference. https://t.co/9tLO0W98t6
- Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) June 4, 2023
Radio Reference reports that the explosion was caused by F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, which the Ministry of Defence had authorised to make a supersonic transition over the area. Local authorities confirmed that residents heard the sonic boom and that the flight was authorised. However, they did not specify that it was the F-16s that were flying.
Caught it on camera. ! pic.twitter.com/xRC4uHEIHL
- Lisa (@Irisheyez28) June 4, 2023
About 25 km from downtown Washington D.C. is Andrews Air Force Base, where the 121st Regiment's fighter jets are stationed. However, they have not commented on the sonic attack. The US 1st Air Force also remained silent.
