A toddler could have fallen to his death on Christmas day at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, if not for his mother’s quick intervention, according to officials.
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| Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Photo: USGS via Reuters via nbcnews.com |
Via a statement, the National Park Service, said, that the toddler wandered off from his family at the Kilauea Overlook and snuck past the barrier blocking onlookers from the volcano before running toward the 400-foot cliff edge.
NPS said: “His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time just a foot or so away from a fatal fall. Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed.”
In its news release, NPS said: “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.”
Rhonda Loh, Superintendent of the Park, said: “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.”
