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Man Falls About 70 Feet Down Into Kīlauea Caldera At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

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Published Date

May 2, 2019
Steaming Bluff Overlook, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/NPS

A man who climbed over the railing at Steaming Bluff Overlook tumbled into the Kīlauea caldera at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/NPS

A man who climbed over a railing to get a closer look into Kīlauea caldera at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park fell about 70 down from the rim and was seriously injured.

Park staff said that about 6:30 p.m. local time Wednesday the man was seen climbing over the metal railing at the Steaming Bluff overlook. He then lost his footing and fell from the cliff, staff said.

"At approximately 9 p.m., the man was found alive but seriously injured on a narrow ledge about 70 feet down from the cliff edge," a park release said. "Rescue personnel successfully completed a high angle extrication using ropes and stokes litter and, with support from a Department of Defense helicopter, the man was airlifted to Hilo Medical Center for urgent care."

The overlook is reaching via a short walk on a trail leading from the Steam Vents parking area to Steaming Bluff, on the caldera's edge. The area is a grassy meadow with ground cracks and steaming concentrated in fractures along the caldera's edge.

The Steaming Bluff Overlook is not far from the park's visitor center/Google maps



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Comments

Submitted by rob whitford on May 2, 2019 - 2:57pm.

Um" Dumb is dumb?


Submitted by Becki on May 2, 2019 - 4:07pm.

That's the way I feel about the Grand Canyon.  I think they've had three deaths this year. 


Submitted by Donna Dexter on May 2, 2019 - 6:52pm.

We get irritated when tourists go up to Buffalo and grizzly to take a selfie ....... You honestly can't prevent natural selection 


Submitted by Rudy Stefancik on May 3, 2019 - 1:48am.

Stupid is as stupid does. At least no rescuer was injured. Reminds me of the guy who became stew in a big hot spring at Yellowstone a few years ago.


Submitted by CC on May 3, 2019 - 8:37am.

Its disgusting that people have this entitlement attitude.  I wish they would say, if you go over rail we will not rescue you.  It should apply at Grand Canyon.  So many people with kids on the edge and I saw them jumping from spire to spire to get out on the edge.  It ruined my visit I just knew someone was going to fall and I didnt want to  witness that.  I'm going to Yellowstone, I hope it turns out positive but if dumb people want a selfie with a bison. What you gonna do.  I personally will take pictures of idiots and turn it over to rangers.  Too bad the guy who chased the bison last year was not gored.  Maybe they need a reminder that this is not a zoo, it's a park with wild animals who may have a bad day and take you out.   Do dumb stuff  win stupid prize


Submitted by tammy mccrimmon on May 3, 2019 - 8:53am.

So true


Submitted by D Henderson on May 3, 2019 - 5:29pm.

Not that it matters who did it but Time has published that it was a soldier  stationed at Schofield Barracks.It was just not smart,


Submitted by Michelle on May 4, 2019 - 1:23am.

I really hope that the idiot is given a bill for what it cost to rescue him.  There is a fence for a reason. He went over it and fell. That is his fault. He must pay for the rescue.


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