US Air Force statement deepens mystery of ground-shaking explosion
A ground-rattling 'boom' was heard in the sky above Gwynedd and Anglesey on Tuesday afternoon, with the leading theory being that it was caused by a sonic boom"
Two US Air Force F-15E aircraft were in the vicinity at the time the 'explosion-like' noise was heard
(Image: PA )
The enigma surrounding a massive "explosion" that caused windows to rattle and the ground to shake in parts of Wales on Tuesday afternoon has intensified. Residents in Gwynedd and Anglesey were left baffled by what has been described as a thunderous "boom" that echoed through the skies.
With no earthquakes reported by the British Geological Survey, which monitors the UK, and no explosion-related call-outs for the fire service, the mystery had deepened further after a US Air Force statement was issued.
Online speculation suggested a "sonic boom" might be responsible, an occurrence that results from an aircraft exceeding supersonic speeds and breaking the sound barrier. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Despite the RAF denying any flights in the vicinity at the time, the US Air Force's admission that they were investigating the incident lent credence to the sonic boom theory.
A representative acknowledged on Wednesday morning that there was a possible "sonic boom" over North Wales under review, reports North Wales Live.
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Yet, the plot thickens as the US Air Force later clarified their position with a new statement. A spokesperson informed North Wales Live: "The 48th Fighter Wing had two F-15E aircraft in the area of North Wales at the time in question, but neither aircraft had a supersonic event."
Local Gwynedd councillor Arwyn Roberts, who was in Caernarfon when the noise occurred, described it as "one hell of a bang" noting the ground-shaking impact and the buzz it created among residents. He remarked: "You could feel the ground shaking. It has got everyone talking. People are talking about it everywhere."
Cllr Roberts reported that individuals from as distant as Benllech on Anglesey and Porthmadog had heard it.
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