Scientist Confirms Meteorite in Puno, Peru is a Chondrite

(LIP-ir) -- Peru's official government news agency reported this afternoon that scientists which went to the town of Carancas in the Region of Puno, Peru, have confirmed that the glowing object which fell from the sky on Saturday afternoon was indeed a meteorite.

Volcanologist for Peru's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET), Luisa Macedo, confirmed that a chondrite meteorite had caused the 17 meter (55 foot) wide and 5 meter (16 foot) deep crater when it landed on earth.

It was reported that with the help of the Desaguadero Municipality, the water would be drained out of the crater to establish the exact size of the hole that was made by the chondrite meteorite.

Macedo explained that the chondrite was not radioactive and did not have any toxic gases or substances which could be harmful to peoples health. On the other hand, Macedo stated that it had not yet been established if the water supply in the province of Chucuito had been contaminated or not.

Aside from the analysis Macedo is performing, the National University of Altiplano, Peru's Nuclear Energy Institute, the National Institute of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Health and a Bolivian university are all taking part in the analysis of the area.

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Peru's Geophysicists Test for Radiation, Meteorite Sickness Caused by Toxic Gases

(LIP-ir) -- Andina, Peru's official government news agency reported today that the citizens of Carancas, located in the district of Desaguadero in Puno, Peru, are recovering from the initial sicknesses which were caused by the meteorite which landed in their village Saturday afternoon.

Puno's Regional Health Director, Jorge López Tejada, stated that the peoples health had improved after they were seen by doctors. The cases of nausea, dizziness, migraines and vomiting were controlled by medication that was administered by the health brigades.

"They are recovering, there aren't any critical cases. A total of 200 people with different symptoms have been seen," said López Tejada. In addition, Puno, Peru's Health Director stated that blood samples had been taken from the 15 patients which had been closest to the meteorite.

"The geophysicists have determined that there isn't radiation in the area, the problems people were having have been attributed to toxic subsoil gases which have not been specified yet," stated López Tejada.

The health authority has officially requested that people stay away from the glowing object that fell from the sky. He made this request due to the fact that many curious people have come from all over to observe the crater.

Medical personnel are to stay in Carancas, which is 1,300 km South of Lima, for at least one more week.