It seems absurd to say out loud, but toddlers and volcanoes are generally not considered a safe combination. Both are unpredictable and destructive, for starters. Plus, a toddler nearly fell to their death while touring an active volcano in Hawaii with their family.
In late December, an almost-tragedy prompted the National Park Service to issue an important reminder to tourists near Kilauea. Things could have turned out very differently if the child’s mother hadn’t jumped into action when she did. And terrifying incident has left fellow parents shuddering over what might have happened.
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On December 26, the National Park Service issued an important reminder for those visiting Hawaii’s currently erupting Kilauea volcano. A news release shared that a “shocking scene unfolded in a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kīlauea Overlook.” And it involved a toddler who narrowly avoided a deadly fall.
Reportedly, a toddler “wandered off from his family” while near Kilauea, a volcano in Hawaii, according to the news release. The little boy “ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge.” However, his “screaming” mother “managed to grab him in the nick of time just a foot or so away from a fatal fall.”
In light of the near-death situation, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reminded visitors to remain on trails. It also instructed park-goers to keep out of closed areas and keep their children close.
“Those who ignore the warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones, and sneak into closed areas to get a closer look do so at great risk,” it added.
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The eruption at Kilauea started on December 23, according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Although the eruption has entered its second phase, it could restart at any time. Toxic gas emissions are also still high. Because those with heart or breathing issues, pregnant women, and children “are especially sensitive to volcanic gas,” the National Park Service reminded those groups to take extra caution.
Many folks online had the same reaction to the toddler almost falling to his death near a volcano.
“Who takes a toddler to an erupting volcano?” one X (formerly Twitter) user wondered.
Another X user echoed: “Who takes a toddler to an active volcano? That’s like bringing your hamster to a snake convention. Next time try Chuck E. Cheese – fewer lava flows, similar risk of indigestion.”
Meanwhile, a particularly judgy person shared, “Condensed story: ‘s—-y parents don’t pay attention to toddler while on active volcano.'”
Critics aside, we’re so relieved the little guy is safe and sound!
