A neighbourhood in Barrie's northwest end was rattled Tuesday night when a "sonic boom" brought residents out of their homes.

Rob Higgins and his two sons were watching TV around 10 p.m. when a loud noise, described as jet plane breaking the sound barrier, ripped through the Wallace Drive home.

"It was like a loud sonic boom. When I went outside, numerous neighbours came out to see what happened," Higgins said. "No one could see anything. Some people said it sounded like a major car crash."

At least 10 neighbours were on the street looking around in curiosity when Higgins and his family were surprised by the sound.

"Originally, I thought it was some huge thing was thrown at our house. Not a car, but maybe a big barrel or something large," he said. "I went outside a realized everyone heard something and it couldn't have just been our house."

Barrie police said there were no calls for service in the area at the time or reports matching a loud sound.

If anyone heard the sound or knows what it is contact the Examiner at 705-726-6537, ext 282.

news@thebarrieexaminer.com