Launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base creates 'fireball' in sky, startles Southland

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base got the attention of many people across the Southland on Friday night.

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched at 7:19 p.m. The rocket and four solid rocket boosters produced a total thrust of about 2 million pounds at liftoff, according to a news release.

Several Eyewitness News viewers, including in South Los Angeles, El Segundo and West Hollywood, called to report seeing the bright light in the sky, generated from the launch. Some people described it as a meteor or fireball in the sky.