GOUVIEUX (60) 24.09.2013

On 24 September 2013, a witness eating lunch with family saw a very bright ball pass silently above a line of trees. It first travelled straight, then seemed to zigzag very rapidly and change direction. The investigation report describes straight movement at the start and end, compatible with a windborne object, with variable local wind possibly explaining the turn. Possible thunderstorm activity also raises ball lightning as an explanation. GEIPAN considers both hypotheses possible but fairly unlikely. The supplied information can neither confirm nor exclude them. The case is classified C for lack of information and corroboration.