Kent Explosion: 'Sonic Boom from RAF Activity' Causes Huge Bang

UK police — Police believe the explosion was a 'sonic boom' due to RAF activity. Reuters

A huge explosion has occurred in Kent which people were able to hear in a 20-mile radius.

Residents from areas such as Sevenoaks, Dartford and Orpington took to social media to describe hearing the loud bang.

It was later confirmed that the huge explosion was a sonic boom as a result of two RAF jets being deployed to divert a cargo plane to Stansted Airport.

The Russian-built Latvian Antonov An-26 aircraft landed at the airport, but was given the all clear after it was checked by police.

Explosion that shook our roof in Petts Wood heard in Dartford, Sevenoaks, Orpington too according to Twitter. Anyone know what it was?!
— RobJFH (@RobJFH) October 29, 2014

huge explosion just shook my house in Tunbridge Wells #Kent #explosion? WTF was that? About 4.46pm
— Kevin Bell (@lordbell50) October 29, 2014

that massive bang in the Kent area did not sound good ? literally thought it was an earthquake starting or a bomb
— ♡ (@sophqpr) October 29, 2014

An RAF spokesperson said: "Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft south of London which was causing concern to air traffic control authorities.

"The aircraft was safely escorted to London Stansted. To fulfill their quick reaction role the Typhoons were cleared to travel at supersonic speed, any noise disturbance as a result of this is regretted."

The RAF added they are sorry to anyone who was "startled" by the bang and reassured their jets only go supersonic over land "when absolutely necessary".