WATCH: Eastern Cape residents report 'exploding meteorite'
Social media is buzzing after people in the Eastern Cape heard a loud bang and asked: Was it a meteorite?
Residents from Jeffreys Bay and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and George in the Western Cape took to social media on Sunday (25 August 2024) to ask: was that a meteorite?
People reported hearing a loud explosion while some claimed the 'meteorite' gave off flashes of light, and crashed into the ocean.
Some are claiming to have picked up bits that landed nearby.
Watch residents explain the moment below:
@micaelaartist 😱 waiting to hear the update on the news! #jbay #meteorsouthafrica #satellite ♬ Moments - Voice Memo - Teesa
Locals in the Western and Eastern Cape reported seeing these rocks fall from the sky after hearing a thunderous bluster. Is it safe to touch them??😳😳
— GALAXY-2:20 VIDEO🔌 (@GalaxyTwoTwenty) August 25, 2024
Afriforum #PhalaphalaFarmGate Emtee BI Phakathi Phala Phala Zulu Ngizwe Thandiswa #Abahambe JHB CBD Nigerians in SA Lord Gayton pic.twitter.com/ddjWCNI6vE
A meteor breaking and burning up in the atmosphere near St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape pic.twitter.com/08N67Nq5kQ
— RawNews1st (@Raw_News1st) August 25, 2024
A meteor exploded over the Eastern Cape this morning. #uapX#ufoX #ufotwitter #SouthAfricahttps://t.co/8bcpa8roL4 https://t.co/LZbkqTogVT pic.twitter.com/DFoizmpseL
— DISCLOSED AWARENESS (@DsclsdAwareness) August 25, 2024
@kings.wayne Thing so close to u
♬ original sound - WAYNE T.J
Was it a meteorite?
NASA announced that five asteroids would pass close to Earth between 27 August and 1 September.
All the asteroids were confirmed as not posing a threat and astronomers will study the near-earth objects.
A local publication, St Francis Chronicle, said eyewitnesses in the Oyster Bay vicinity reported seeing a flash of blue light.
According to the publication, a whaleboat crew member claimed the meteorite crashed into the sea approximately 200 metres from where the boat was.