The authorities of the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park inform about the “shocking events” that took place near the Kilauea volcano a few days ago. A child staying there with his family escaped his guardians and almost fell off a 120-meter-high cliff. Guards appeal to visitors to be careful and warn against breaking the rules in force in the park.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park asks visitors to exercise caution. On Thursday, its authorities issued a special warning in connection with the events that took place near the Kilauea volcano the day before. The family, admiring his lava flashes, lost sight of the child for a moment and a tragedy almost occurred.
“The toddler moved away from the family and ran straight towards a 400-foot (about 120 meters) high cliff. The child's mother managed to catch him at the last moment,” say the national park authorities. According to the issued statement, when the mother caught the child, she was already behind the safety barriers.
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Park authorities warn visitors
Rangers appeal to visitors to be careful and respect the rules in force in the parks. “National parks are not playgrounds,” they warn, emphasizing that “those who disregard warnings, ignore signs, lose sight of loved ones and go to parts of the park closed to visitors do so at great risk.” They also hope that publicizing last week's story will help “prevent future tragedies.”
Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its last eruption started on Monday, December 23. Currently, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Kilauea is “exhibiting a moderate level of activity.” Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park warns visitors about the gases produced during eruptions, which may be particularly dangerous for people with heart or respiratory diseases.
Main photo source: usgs.gov