El Paso, Texas – A mysterious loud noise, described by local residents as resembling an explosion, disturbed the peace of Northeast El Paso on Thursday morning, causing concern and confusion within the community. Around 10 a.m., residents reported feeling their homes shake and hearing a significant ‘boom,’ prompting several to reach out to local authorities and media outlets in search of answers.
Initial speculations pointed toward a possible explosion at the nearby GCC Materials quarry near McKelligon Canyon. However, queries confirmed that no controlled explosions had taken place there recently, with the last occurring on February 4.
Local police and fire departments acknowledged the reports and indicated that investigations were underway to identify the source of the booming sound. Meanwhile, Fort Bliss officials also responded to inquiries, confirming that there were no training exercises or detonations in the vicinity that could have caused such a noise at the Castner Range National Monument.
In an effort to pinpoint the cause, ABC-7 reporters discovered that El Paso Electric and Water were operating in the area. Yet, representatives from these services could not connect their activities to the noise reported by residents.
As the community sought answers, several residents posted their experiences online. John Aguilar, a longtime El Paso resident, expressed his initial reaction. “My entire house shook— it was really unnerving. I couldn’t immediately fathom what it might have been,” Aguilar shared. He speculated that it might have been related to unexploded ordnance historically present in the mountain and desert areas around the city, particularly near Castner Range.
Supporting Aguilar’s concerns, other locals familiar with military ordnance also suggested the noise resembled that of an artillery shell. Robert Jeffreys, a retired military member, described it as being similar to “almost a sonic boom.”
Further adding to local anxieties, resident Erica Washington recounted her experience happening while she was outside her home. “Suddenly, there was this loud boom, and everything around us shook. I jumped up because I had no idea what it was,” she said. The moment left her and her family briefly fearing for their safety.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Washington’s brother, Brandon Foster, another former military member living nearby. He expressed a keen desire for clarity on the incident, emphasizing the need for community alerts in case of future occurrences. “It’s crucial we get some information. If it happens again, the community deserves to be informed beforehand,” Foster noted.
While the specific cause of the noise remains unidentified, the incident has highlighted the importance of clear communication between military installations, local businesses, and the community, particularly in areas historically affected by military activities. As investigations continue, residents hope for a quick resolution to alleviate their concerns and ensure that necessary precautions will be communicated adequately in the future.