MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Reports of a fireball streaking across the sky Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026, in Southern Maryland were attributed to a meteor, according to the National Weather Service.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 9:48 a.m. to the area of Three Notch Road and Thompson Corner Road in Mechanicsville after multiple callers reported seeing a bright object falling from the sky.
Units from Engine Tanker 24 searched the area but found no signs of a crash or fire.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said the sightings were caused by a meteor traveling through the atmosphere. A loud boom associated with the event was reported in parts of Ohio, consistent with a sonic boom created as the object broke apart at high speed.
Residents across Maryland and other states reported seeing the bright fireball, which was visible over a wide area.
Fireballs are exceptionally bright meteors that can be seen across multiple states and may produce loud booms when fragments break apart in the atmosphere.
No injuries or damage were reported.
If you captured the fireball on camera, photos or video can be shared with The BayNet at news@thebaynet.com.
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