WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:
- Last week, a university library in Australia ordered students to evacuate the building because of a “lingering gas-like smell” that officials thought was a gas leak.
- It turned out that the distinctive scent was coming from a Southeast Asian fruit called durian.
- The tropical fruit is dubbed as the “world’s smelliest fruit” and according to the late Anthony Bourdain, “your breath will smell as if you’d been French-kissing your dead grandmother” after eating it.
Students studying for the upcoming finals at a university library in Australia were evacuated from the building last week after a suspected gas leak. But as it turns out, there was no gas leak, but rather the distinctive smell was coming from a tropical fruit.
On Thursday, University of Canberra’s library officials shared news of the evacuation on their Facebook account, writing, “We’ve been evacuated! Will post an update when students can re-enter the building.”
Officials said there were nearly 550 people evacuated from the library in under six minutes.
Shortly after, the library updated its post stating: “And we’re open! Thanks to everyone for evacuating so quickly and safely … Fortunately, the suspected gas leak turned out to be a part of a durian – the offending fruit has now been removed.”
A team of firefighters searched the building and identified the source of the smell, the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency said in a statement. Also, a HAZMAT team performed “atmospheric monitoring to ensure the area was safe.”
The Southeast Asian fruit is popular for its pungent smell. The late Anthony Bourdain said a durian’s smell is “indescribable,” adding, “Your breath will smell as if you’d been French-kissing your dead grandmother,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. It has also been labeled the “world’s smelliest fruit.
In November 2018, an Indonesian flight was grounded after passengers complained about the durian’s smell, and it is also banned in Singapore’s subway system, CNN reported.
After the incident, the library changed its Facebook profile picture and announced that it’s banning the fruit.
The Smithsonian once reported that Food writer Richard Sterling said the durian’s “odor is best described as…turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away.”
According to PEOPLE, a group of scientists set out to learn just why the durian fruit has such a divisive smell. The 2012 study found that the odor is the result of a mixture of different chemicals, including four compounds previously unknown to science.
The fruit’s appearance is also unique with a spiky exterior covering a ball filled with a custard-like treat.