Environmental Health Workers investigate caustic smell in Arnos Vale river

Workers from the Environmental Health Division within the Ministry of Health visited Arnos Vale on Wednesday, May 14, to investigate reports of a strong gas odour that reportedly, caused some residents in the area to become ill.

An officer within the Public Health Department confirmed the visit as well as calls received from individuals lodging complaints about the scent which was still being experienced up to Wednesday, May, 15, 2025, just prior to the Environmental Health workers going in to assess the situation.

Residents and workers in Arnos Vale reported inhaling a strong fuel-like odour, possibly originating from a river flowing through the Belair/Queens Drive area towards the bridge near Massy Stores.

In some cases, the scent was linked to persons coming down with headaches, and experiencing burning eyes, and respiratory issues. The odour, described as smelling like diesel or petrol, had been present for several days, affecting homes, and forcing residents to close buildings before the intervention of the Environmental Health team. SEARCHLIGHT, however, was unable to ascertain what was the source of the problem.