Fireball seen in Columbia in 1957

Summary

In April 1957, in Columbia (South Carolina), several observers reported a fiery ball with a tail, the size of a basketball at arm's length. The object was seen for between 5 and 15 seconds by four people, with slightly varying descriptions. Two witnesses observed it from the ground and two from an aircraft. Although other possibilities such as balloons or aircraft were considered, investigators concluded it was likely a meteor. No photos or radar data were taken, limiting the available evidence.

The file classifies the incident as probably astronomical, which fits with the description of a meteor. Despite differences in testimonies, the duration and visual description are consistent with a natural phenomenon. The report does not include further details or follow-up, but suggests it was not considered a significant UFO case.