Regional authorities in Peru said a mysterious illness struck southern country after a meteorite crashed near the area Monday.

According to reports, the villagers were startled when a blaze occurred in the high Andes district of Puno in Desaguadero region. Many first suspected that an airplane crashed near Bolivia border.

Local health department official Jorge Lopez said, after the incident, residents complained of headaches and vomiting brought by a "strange odor."

Lopez adds seven policemen who went to inspect the crash site also became ill and had to be given oxygen before being hospitalized.

Local official Marco Limache dispatched rescue teams to investigate the crash and found the meteorite left a 30-meter-wide and 20-meter-deep crater.

"Boiling water started coming out of the crater and particles of rock and cinders were found nearby. Residents are very concerned," he said.