Peru Meteorite

On September 16, 2007, an estimated three-foot-wide meteorite crashed down in the remote Peruvian village of Carangas. The landing created a seismic shock equivalent to a 1.5-magnitude earthquake and left a crater that was approximately 100 feet wide and and 20 feet deep.

Fast Facts

1. Carangas is located near Lake Titicaca and the Bolivian border
2. No traces of radiation were found in the area
3. Residents originally thought the meteorite landing was a plane crash

Mysterious Illness

Many residents reported experiencing headaches and nausea after inhaling the pungent odors emanating from the meteorite's crater. Investigations revealed that the reported illnesses were likely caused by arsenic fumes. Several arsenic deposits have been found in Southern Peruvian soil and scientists reported that the hot meteorite released arsenic gases after coming into contact with a tainted underground water supply.

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