American Tourist Survives 30-Foot Plunge Near Active Kīlauea Volcano
A 30-year-old man from Boston narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident after plunging 30 feet off a cliffside trail near the active Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii. The incident occurred while he attempted to get a closer view of the volcano’s erupting lava fountains, which were spewing molten rock over 1,000 feet into the air. According to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the man had strayed too close to the sheer cliff edge, which could have led to a much more severe outcome had it not been for a tree that broke his fall, preventing him from plunging another hundred feet into the caldera.
Search and rescue teams, already in the area due to the ongoing volcanic activity, located the man several hours after the incident and executed a high-angle rescue operation by rappelling down the cliff. Despite not carrying a flashlight or headlamp, the man was safely retrieved with only minor facial injuries reported. The National Park Service emphasized that the region remains highly hazardous, with toxic gases and tephra emissions posing additional risks to visitors.
Hawaiian authorities have previously warned of the dangers associated with Kīlauea’s activity, including a recent incident in which a child nearly fell into the active volcano. Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh has stressed the importance of visitor safety and caution, noting that while the park showcases natural wonders, it is not a playground. The ongoing eruptions, which began in December 2024, continue to attract both tourists and scientific researchers, highlighting the volcano’s active status and the need for continued vigilance.