Tourist falls into Indonesian volcano crater while posing for a photo, tragically dies. Rescue teams retrieve the body after two hours. Safety reminders emphasized.
A tragic incident occurred recently in Indonesia when a tourist fell approximately 250 feet into the crater of an active volcano. It has been reported that 31-year-old Huang Lihong, a Chinese national, lost her footing while attempting to pose for a photo near the rim of the Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi. Huang and her husband, Zhang Yong, accompanied by a local tour guide, were climbing Mount Ijen to witness the stunning sunrise from its edge.
Despite the picturesque scenery, Huang paused to capture the moment, but an unfortunate mishap occurred as her skirt became entangled, causing her to lose balance and tumble backward into the crater. Witnesses, including her husband, were left horrified by the sudden and tragic event. A photograph taken just before the incident captures Huang posing with one leg raised against the backdrop of steam and sulfur gas rising from the crater.
The challenging terrain hindered rescue efforts, and it took over two hours for responders to retrieve Huang's body from the depths of the volcano. Dwi Putro Sugiarto, the head of the Department of Conservation for the Banyuwangi region, emphasized the tragic nature of the accident and urged visitors to prioritize safety when exploring Mount Ijen.
Located on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso in East Java, Mount Ijen is popular for its unique natural phenomena, including the mesmerizing blue fire caused by sulfuric gas combustion within the crater.
This unfortunate incident is reminiscent of a similar occurrence in 2022 when a tourist fell into the crater of Mount Vesuvius while attempting to take a selfie on a prohibited route. Despite warnings and signage indicating the danger, the individual disregarded the restrictions and ventured onto the unauthorized path. While attempting to retrieve a dropped phone, the tourist lost his footing and suffered injuries requiring medical attention.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and exercising caution when exploring natural attractions, particularly in hazardous environments such as active volcanic sites.
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