Toddler Escapes Near-Fall from Kilauea Volcano Cliff in Hawaii National Park

Officials urge heightened awareness after a child narrowly avoided falling from a cliff at Kilauea, stressing the importance of adhering to safety protocols.

A harrowing incident occurred on Christmas Day at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, where a toddler was nearly lost to the depths of a 400-foot cliff. According to park officials, the boy strayed from his family's side and "in a split second, ran straight toward the cliff edge." Fortunately, his mother seized him just moments before a potentially fatal fall, the park stated. Park ranger Jessica Ferracane, an eyewitness to the event, expressed hope that sharing the incident might foster greater caution among visitors to the park.

Kilauea, located on the Big Island, is among the world’s most active volcanoes, with its latest eruption commencing on December 23, spewing lava in a controlled area of the national park. While families had gathered to observe the spectacular natural display, the area in which the boy wandered was closed off for safety reasons. Ferracane emphasized that the boy would not have survived the plunge had he fallen.

The park's rangers are urging all visitors to adhere strictly to park safety guidelines, including remaining on designated trails and keeping children close at hand. They warned that disregarding warnings, trespassing into restricted areas, and losing track of loved ones poses significant risks. "Hopefully sharing the news will prevent future tragedies and near-misses," Ferracane noted.

As tourists flock to witness Kilauea’s volcanic activity, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers present in such awe-inspiring environments.