Although several individuals in South Carolina’s Midlands reported hearing loud booms and experiencing strong shaking Tuesday morning, an earthquake was not the explanation.
According to officials at Shaw Air Force Base, the booms near Sumter were generated by ordnance disposal by the United States military.
The reaction to the noises and vibrations was so extensive that Air Force officials temporarily ignored the government shutdown to inform the public.
“Due to public concerns, we are issuing this public statement regarding explosive noises heard in the community,” Air Force officials wrote on social media. “The 20th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight is conducting training at the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Wedgefield, S.C. … Community members may hear loud explosions in the area throughout the duration of this training.”
Officials stated the training will take place twice: on Tuesday and Wednesday. There was no information available about the exact timing of the bomb disposal.
More information regarding the training will most likely not be available via social media.
“This page is still affected by the government shutdown and posting will be limited to emergency and mission-critical notifications,” according to Air Force authorities.
However, people with questions can contact the 20th Flight Wing Public Affairs office at 803-895-2019.
“That’s a normal occurrence with their training and exercises,” a Sumter County Emergency Management spokeswoman told The State.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division determined that the loud noises and tremors were not the result of seismic activity.
“USGS has not reported any earthquakes (Tuesday) in South Carolina,” a SCEMD official told The State.
