Fireball seen in Drôme in 1997

Summary

On September 29, 1997, a witness in a car observed a fireball with a black smoke trail for a few moments. The GEIPAN classified the event as category B. Although the object was clearly described, the most likely explanation points to an atmospheric entry of a meteorite or space debris. No other witnesses or damage were reported in the area. The witness's description, though brief, allows ruling out conventional explanations such as planes or rockets.