In brief
A toddler's close call emphasizes the importance of safety measures in national parks.
In a startling incident at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, a toddler was saved just moments away from a life-threatening fall off the 400ft cliff edge. The boy strayed from his family's side and ran perilously close to the caldera, prompting a desperate rescue by his mother, who seized him "in the nick of time." Park ranger Jessica Ferracane witnessed the alarming event and expressed a hope that sharing this close call would raise awareness about safety and help prevent future tragedies. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes located on Hawaii's Big Island, has been erupting since December 23, releasing stunning jets of lava. The incident occurred on Christmas Day in a restricted area where families had gathered to watch the lava display, an area that poses significant risks to visitors, especially children.Park officials reiterated the need for visitors to adhere to park regulations, emphasizing the importance of staying on designated trails and keeping children within sight. “Those who disregard warnings and venture into closed areas do so at great risk,” cautioned Ferracane. “Sharing this news is vital to prevent both tragedies and near-misses in our parks.”



