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Meteorite Fragments Damage Homes in Koblenz After Bright Fireball Over Western Germany

Recovered fragments now go to laboratories for classification, authorities say.

Overview

  • A bright fireball crossed western Germany around 7 p.m. local time on March 8, with sightings also reported in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
  • Fragments struck roofs in Koblenz’s Güls district, with at least one creating a football-sized hole in a home, but no injuries were reported.
  • Police described the object as a burned-out celestial body, and firefighters and officers inspected the scene with no ongoing danger identified.
  • Emergency control centers received a surge of calls, and Rhineland-Palatinate activated its Civil Protection Situation Center to coordinate information.
  • The International Meteor Organization reported rapid recovery of pieces near Koblenz, with the strewn field still being mapped and lab analysis to determine classification and composition.