Mystery Illness Strikes After Meteorite Hits Peruvian Villa

On September 16, 2007, a meteorite fell to earth in the remote Peruvian village of Carangas, near Lake Tititaca and the Bolivian border. Hundreds of local residents complained of headaches and nausea brought on by a strange odor emanating from the resulting crater.

Fast Facts

1. Experts estimate that the meteorite was approximately three feet in diameter
2. The impact left a 100-foot-wide and 20-foot-deep crater
3. Meteorite landing created a seismic shock equivalent to a 1.5-magnitude earthquake

Investigation Results

After investigating the crater, experts confirmed that there were no traces of radiation in the area. The reported illnesses and noxious odors are believed to have been caused by arsenic fumes that were released when the hot meteorite contacted an underground water supply containing arsenic. ¹

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