In a shocking incident on Christmas Day, a toddler was rescued moments before potentially falling off the rim of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, prompting the national park to reissue warnings for visitors to stay safe and vigilant.
Near-Tragedy Averted as Toddler Nearly Falls Off Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Cliff
Near-Tragedy Averted as Toddler Nearly Falls Off Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Cliff
Park rangers issue urgent safety warnings after a narrow escape for a toddler at one of the world's most active volcanoes.
In a dramatic scene at Hawaii's Big Island, a young boy wandered from his family and approached the perilous 400-foot cliff edge overlooking the active Kilauea volcano. Park officials reported that the child's mother, upon realizing her son was in danger, managed to grab him just "a foot or so away from a fatal fall." The harrowing experience unfolded in a closed area of the national park where families had gathered to witness ongoing eruptions, which have resumed since December 23.
Park ranger Jessica Ferracane, who witnessed the alarming situation, emphasized the importance of sharing this incident to prevent similar near-tragedies in the future. She remarked to the BBC, "Safety is our top priority, and we urge everyone to adhere to park regulations.”
Kilauea is known as one of the most active volcanoes globally, attracting thousands of tourists who often venture close to its caldera, the large crater formed by previous eruptions. With lava flows gushing and ongoing volcanic activity, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that visitors must exercise extreme caution while in the park.
Ferracane highlighted the need for families to stay on clearly marked trails and avoid closed-off areas, stating, "Those who ignore the warnings and sneak into prohibited spots do so at great risk." This event served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by nature's raw power, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.
As the Kilauea volcano continues to erupt, the national park's staff is hopeful that increased awareness and compliance with safety guidance will result in a safer, injury-free experience for all visitors.
Park ranger Jessica Ferracane, who witnessed the alarming situation, emphasized the importance of sharing this incident to prevent similar near-tragedies in the future. She remarked to the BBC, "Safety is our top priority, and we urge everyone to adhere to park regulations.”
Kilauea is known as one of the most active volcanoes globally, attracting thousands of tourists who often venture close to its caldera, the large crater formed by previous eruptions. With lava flows gushing and ongoing volcanic activity, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that visitors must exercise extreme caution while in the park.
Ferracane highlighted the need for families to stay on clearly marked trails and avoid closed-off areas, stating, "Those who ignore the warnings and sneak into prohibited spots do so at great risk." This event served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by nature's raw power, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.
As the Kilauea volcano continues to erupt, the national park's staff is hopeful that increased awareness and compliance with safety guidance will result in a safer, injury-free experience for all visitors.
