On Thursday afternoon, a mysterious boom reverberated across the Midlands region of South Carolina, leaving residents and officials puzzled. The phenomenon, which occurred shortly before 5:24 p.m. EDT, was felt as a shock wave by many, including employees at FITSNews headquarters located near Columbia, S.C.

Reports of an explosion-like sound and a subsequent pressure wave were received from residents in at least four counties. Amelia Sjodin, a resident of Forest Acres, S.C., described the experience, saying, “It shook my entire house.” The boom was heard and felt as far as Florence, S.C., yet no official explanation has been provided.

Local and state law enforcement agencies confirmed there was no active scene, and military officials at Fort Jackson were equally mystified. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is currently investigating the incident.

Chris Jackson, a local meteorologist, shared video footage capturing the sound and shock wave from a camera at Hamilton-Owens Downtown Airport in Columbia. He noted, “Whatever that was had a pressure wave with it. It hit me in the chest.” Initial speculation suggested an earthquake, but the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported no seismic activity in the area at the time.

Jackson further explained that the nature of the pressure wave ruled out an earthquake, stating on social media, “That shockwave that you felt was the pressure wave which is why I can say with 99% certainty this wasn’t an earthquake. It felt like someone shoved me right in my chest an instant before the boom began.”

As the investigation continues, residents are urged to stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.

Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.