Child's close call: Near disaster at Hawaii volcano cliff
Following a near tragedy that fortunately ended well, the authorities of the national park in Hawaii have issued a warning for tourists. A young boy almost fell off the slope of an active volcano.
According to the park, the boy wandered away from his family and ran directly toward the 400-foot cliff of the Kīlauea volcano. The child was only one foot away from the edge of the slope.
"His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time, just a foot or so away from a fatal fall," reported park representatives. Park ranger Jessica Ferracane, who witnessed the event, told the BBC that she hopes sharing the details of the incident in the media will help "prevent future tragedies."
On the edge of the volcano: The boy almost fell into the active volcano
Kīlauea, a volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most active in the world. It erupts regularly, most recently on December 23, 2024.
The volcanic eruptions in Hawaii do not significantly impact human settlements. This geological phenomenon can be admired by visiting the national park.
The incident reported by park authorities occurred on Christmas Day. In a closed part of the park, tourists—mostly families with children—gathered to watch the lava.
Park rangers remind visitors on social media about the necessity to stay on designated trails and supervise children. "Those who ignore the warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones, and sneak into closed areas to get a closer look do so at great risk," Ferracane emphasized.
The ranger added that the incident on the holiday occurred in an area with a view of the caldera—a large volcanic crater. Had the boy slipped down the slope, he would not have survived the fall.
