National park officials urged caution after a child nearly fell off a 400-foot cliff while visiting family Kilauea erupting volcanoafter a break of three months Kilauea Volcano The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the eruption began on Dec. 23 in Hawaii.
The boy was “momentarily” carried away from his family while they were admiring the glow of lava within Kalaupele – Kilauea Caldera – at sunset on Dec. 23, park officials said. He ran straight towards the 400 feet high cliff. His screaming mother managed to save him from falling by a foot or so, authorities said.
“The hazards that accompany an eruption are dangerous, and we have safety measures in place, including closed areas, barriers, closure signs and traffic management,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. said in a statement. “Your safety is our utmost concern, but we rely on all of us to recreate responsibly. National parks showcase the grandeur of nature but they are not playgrounds.”
Park officials said the family was behind a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kilauea Overlook. Officials remind visitors to stay on the trail, stay away from closed areas and keep their children close – especially when viewing Kilauea from the Crater Rim Trail viewpoint.
American Geological Surgery
The volcanic eruption has entered its second pause since Dec. 23, but eruptions could resume at any time, the UGSG said. Toxic gas emissions are still high and can be especially dangerous for children. Volcanic gas includes sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
The December 2024 eruption — which produced fountains of lava 262 feet high with molten material — was the fifth eruption at Kilauea since December 2020. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, about 400 acres of the caldera floor was covered in lava.
but the final explosion Kilauea was in June 2024 And it lasted for about five days. According to this, the volcano also erupted in September 2023 and lasted for a week To the US Geological Survey.
Contributed to this report.