A terrifying near-miss at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has prompted national park officials to issue a stark safety warning to tourists. A toddler, separated from his family, narrowly escaped falling off a 400-foot cliff at the edge of the erupting volcano. In a heart-stopping moment, the child ran toward the cliff’s edge before his mother, in a desperate attempt, grabbed him just inches from a fatal plunge.
The incident occurred on Christmas Day within a restricted area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where visitors had gathered to view the ongoing eruption. The toddler, who had wandered away from his family, was reportedly just a foot away from falling into the massive caldera, a vast crater formed by previous eruptions. “In the split second that he ran toward the edge, his mother managed to grab him in the nick of time,” park officials said in their statement.
Park ranger Jessica Ferracane, who witnessed the harrowing event, expressed hope that sharing this close call would help raise awareness about the dangers of venturing off-trail, particularly in areas around active volcanic sites. “I hope this incident will prevent future tragedies,” she told the BBC. The eruption, which began on December 23, continues at a low level inside a designated restricted zone, where lava can be seen bubbling to the surface.
The Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its frequent eruptions, it attracts numerous visitors each year, many hoping to witness the spectacle of flowing lava. However, the park has cautioned tourists to exercise extreme caution.
The toddler’s close call happened in an area overlooking the caldera, a place where the fall would have been fatal. Kilauea’s massive crater is an awe-inspiring, yet perilous feature of the volcano, and park officials stress the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
Park rangers have issued a renewed reminder for visitors to stay on designated trails, avoid restricted areas, and keep a close eye on children. “Those who ignore warnings, bypass closure signs, or stray into hazardous areas do so at great risk,” Ferracane added.
As tourists continue to flock to the park, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile and unpredictable nature of active volcanoes. By sharing the details of this close call, authorities hope to prevent further near-misses and tragedies. Visitors to Kilauea are urged to respect the park’s rules for their own safety, and to stay vigilant in this awe-inspiring yet dangerous environment.
