When is a reported gas leak not a gas leak? When it’s a durian fruit.
Just before midday today, ACT Fire & Rescue were called to the Dickson shops to investigate reports of a gas leak.
After an hour on the scene, firefighters found the source of the incident – a durian fruit.
While crews were searching, the owner of a tenancy above the shops advised them of the potential source of the smell. A short investigation confirmed the durian was indeed the origin of the incident.
“The fruit gives off a very pungent smell and can waft some distances,” an ESA media release explained.
No exclusion zones were put in place, however, the community were asked to avoid the area. Crews have departed the scene.
Wikipedia describes the edible durian fruit as native to Borneo and Sumatra, distinctive for its large size, strong odour and thorn-covered rind. It typically weighs one to three kilograms and is popular through much of south-east Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, where it is referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ in some regions.