Toddler nearly runs off cliff while watching Kilauea eruption

In a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kīlauea Overlook, "a toddler wandered off from his family and in a split second, ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge."

The National Park Service is warning parents to keep their children close and stay on the trail after a toddler nearly ran over the edge of a cliff at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday night.

Park officials described the "shocking scene" that unfolded in a closed area on the night of Christmas as families watched the eruption of KÄ«lauea, which began on Dec. 23.

In a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at KÄ«lauea Overlook, "a toddler wandered off from his family and in a split second, ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge."

The boy's mother, who was "screaming," grabbed him "just a foot or so away from a fatal fall."

"Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed. A Christmas to remember?" park officials wrote.

“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,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “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.”

Park rangers are reminding visitors to stay on trail, stay out of closed areas and to keep their children close, particularly at viewpoints along Crater Rim Trail.

"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," park officials said.

Along with towering cliffs and hazardous terrain, there are other dangers visitors should be aware of when visiting the park. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for both pedestrians and the rare nēnē (Hawaiian goose), which is in its breeding season.

Reporting by TMX

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