Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is strongly urging visitors to stay on trails, stay out of closed areas, and keep a close eye on children after a shocking, near fatal scene went down at the Kīlauea Overlook.
While families were watching the glow of the lava within Kaluapele at sunset on Christmas evening, a toddler managed to wander away from his family and ran straight towards the 400-foot cliff edge. Fortunately the screaming mother managed to grab the child just around a foot from the fatal fall.
In response, the National Park Service is urging visitors to follow closure signs, heed warnings, stay out of closed areas, and keep track of loved ones. Failing to do so comes with great risks.
“The hazards that coincide with an eruption are dangerous, and we have safety measures in place including closed areas, barriers, closure signs, and traffic management. Your safety is our utmost concern, but we rely on everyone to recreate responsibility. National parks showcase nature’s splendor but they are not playgrounds.” – Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption, which began on December 23, has entered its second pause, but the eruption could restart at any time and toxic gas emissions remain high.
“In addition to steep unstable cliff edges and hazardous terrain, often hidden at night, other dangers escalate during increased visitation associated with eruptions. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for pedestrians and nēnē (the Hawaiian goose), and to drive with aloha. Remember to switch to low beams when other cars and pedestrians are present.” – National Park Service