Watch: Mysterious vertical light in sky over Houston in US; photos, videos go viral

Residents of the American city of Houston were surprised by the appearance of a mysterious light in the sky on March 23.Multiple photographs and videos of the phenomenon emerged on social media. News reports suggested that the vertical light was mostly observed in the eastern parts of the Texan city.

While the exact cause or nature of the light was not ascertained immediately, KHOU 11 News reported a statement by a local facility belonging to a plastics, chemicals, and refining company. A LyondellBasell plant in the area had reportedly warned of periodic flaring due to some activities.

The company had reportedly said that "a bright orange flame, black smoke, or a rumbling noise" might be witnessed by locals. Meteorologists reportedly said that clouds over Houston were very reflective on March 23, and the vertical light may have been a reflection of the flaring.