earthquake? Sonic boom? explosion? meteor? A loud bang was heard in MA – NBC Boston

People across eastern Massachusetts reported hearing an extremely loud bang Saturday afternoon, and several police departments in the state say they were inundated with calls, but what exactly was it?

NBC10 meteorologist Pamela Gardner says it was likely a meteorite that entered and exploded in our atmosphere.

“There are satellite lighting observations around Boston, but no lightning! There are no earthquakes at the USGS either,” Gardner said.

A large explosion/burst around Boston GLM from GOES 19 shows the possibility of a meteor or shooting star entering the atmosphere. There is no lightning in this current storm, and no USGS earthquake. pic.twitter.com/Wamm66BIRg

— Pamela Gardner NBC10 Boston (@Pamelanbcboston) May 30, 2026

The state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security addressed the incident on social media around 3:45 p.m., saying Massachusetts public safety officials received reports of audible booms and earthquakes in the eastern part of the state.

“Although we do not yet know the cause, there are no known emergency police or fire calls associated with these reports and we do not believe there is any threat to public safety,” the post on X read. “We remain in touch with our local, state and federal partners to monitor any impact and understand the cause as it becomes available.”

Police and fire departments across the state also took to social media saying they had received numerous reports from concerned residents who heard a loud bang.

Watertown police said on Facebook: “Earthquake was heard in the eastern part of the state. Source unknown and there are no reports of hazards at this time.”

Police in Coventry, Rhode Island, said: “The Boom: There have been no reports of any damage or local incident so far. Possible ground earthquake.”

Police in Cambridge said they were aware of reports and concerns about the loud explosion that was heard.

“At this time, the noise appears to have been heard and felt throughout eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. However, we are not aware of any specific issues or incidents originating from Cambridge,” police wrote on Facebook.

In Newbury, the fire department said its communications center received a number of calls from concerned residents who reported witnessing significant geological activity.

“It was described as a sound wave or explosion like sensation. We felt it here at the police department as well and are not aware of any public safety concerns in Newbury or the surrounding communities at this time,” a Facebook post said. “We do not know the cause of the activity. Please contact the call center only for relevant information, not to inquire about the source. With downed wind, rain, trees, power lines and minor coastal flooding, we are now experiencing a high volume of calls today and want to keep all lines free for emergencies.”

Needham Police also asked residents to stop calling 911 and emergency services, unless police or emergency services are needed.

“We have no information at this time and the phone lines are being tied to actual calls for service,” the Needham Police Department wrote on Facebook. “Yes, we think it was an earthquake…or maybe a sonic boom. Either way, we’re done for the day.”

Wrentham’s police chief said the big explosion people heard and called was likely a large meteorite that entered Earth’s atmosphere, according to multiple sources, though nothing is official yet.

“The explosion was heard and felt all over New England, shaking homes and causing concern among many people,” Bill McGrath said. “We have no reports of damage or injuries in Wrentham and have not heard of any injuries in the area.”

NBC10 Boston Facebook followers reported hearing from Bedford, Blackstone, Westport, Framingham, Georgetown, Attleborough and Cape Cod. Many of them said they heard and felt what it was like.

Some people thought trees fell on their homes, saying their homes shook. Others said their dogs became unruly, and they were watching for lightning but didn’t see any. Many said it scared them, and that they had never heard anything like it before.

NBC10 Boston will let you know as we learn more

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