A huge fireball exploded across the night sky of remote Siberia, momentarily turning night into day. The amazing scene was witnessed by thousands, sending some residents into panic. The incident occurred in the Republic of Khakassia, in the southwest of Siberia.

Reports by residents explained how the night sky was fully lit up momentarily and a few seconds later a meteor could be seen blazing through the sky. Witnesses also say that a loud sonic boom could be heard. 

"We saw a flash, and in about two minutes our houses vibrated and we heard thunder, and car alarms went off," said a witness to The Siberian Times.


Watch the clip that shows the sky being lit up for three or four seconds and shortly afterwards a loud bang. These videos showing the spectacle have gone viral on social media.



The phenomenon is suspected to be a meteor burning up in Earth's atmosphere. Witness reports suggest it may have exploded during the descent. It was a cause for concern as this is the third meteor incident to happen in the past few years. Previous instances have actually done damage to residents' homes, including shattered glass.



It's believed to be no more than 10 or 15 meters in size and apparently not made of iron - Natan Eismont, head scientist at the Russian Academy of Sciences said. This view was later confirmed by NASA. Apparently a common occurrence in the region, but a rare event in an inhabited city.

Luckily, the meteor completely burned up in the atmosphere. It is possible that bits of the meteor will be found within the area. Meanwhile, an accurate trajectory is being drawn up to trace a path where some pieces may have fallen.

According to sources, no one was injured from the event, but some residents certainly got a fright. For one resident, it was a special moment.

“It was very beautiful. You don’t see this every day,” said resident Sergey Isaykin to RT.