Massive 'space object' fragment crashes into remote village in Kenya

According to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, citing local residents, a large, fiery object fell from the sky and landed in a Kenyan village on Monday afternoon, prompting an immediate investigation by the country's national space agency. The object has been identified as "debris from a space object."

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) stated in a release on Wednesday that they have taken possession of the object that fell in the remote village of Mukuku, describing it as apparent space debris, measuring 2.5 meters wide and weighing 500 kilograms. This space debris is likely a separation ring from a rocket.

The Kenya Space Agency said, "The agency wishes to clarify that the object is a metallic ring, approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing about 500 kilograms, and is debris from a space object." Initial assessments suggest it may be a separation ring from a rocket. The agency also noted that space debris usually falls into the ocean or burns up before entering the Earth's atmosphere.

The Kenya Space Agency also stated that the fallen object is likely an isolated incident and is still under investigation. Mbooni sub-county police commander Julius Rotich told the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation that when police arrived on Monday, the object was still hot, and residents had to be kept away from the area until it cooled down.

The broadcaster aired images of police tape surrounding the ring-shaped object that had landed among some trees and bushes, with residents gathered around. The Kenya Space Agency said they are analyzing the object and working to confirm exactly where it came from.