A tragic incident occurred when a tourist died after falling 250 feet into the crater of an active volcano in Indonesia, apparently while taking photos at sunrise.
The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Chinese national Huang Lihong. She fell into the Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on April 20, as reported by local media.
Huang Lihong and her husband, Zhang Yong, had ascended the volcano's slope with a local guide to experience the stunning sunrise from the edge of the crater.
While posing for photographs, Lihong's skirt reportedly snagged on something, causing her to lose her balance. She tragically fell backward over the rim into the crater, with her husband watching in shock.
A photo released following the accident shows Lihong on the volcano's rim, lifting one leg, with clouds of steam and sulfur gas swirling in the background.
Auto DraftA photograph released following her fall captures Huang Lihong posing with one leg raised on what seems to be the rim of the volcano, with clouds of steam and sulfur gas billowing behind her.
Auto DraftLocal news outlets reported that she plummeted 250 feet into the volcano's crater, and it took rescue teams over two hours to recover her body.
Dwi Putro Sugiarto, who leads the Department of Conservation in the Banyuwangi region, stated that the incident was an accident. He emphasized that tourists should always prioritize safety while climbing Mount Ijen.
It has been reported that her body will be taken to Bali and then flown back to China.
Mount Ijen is located at the boundary between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso in East Java and is part of a complex of volcanoes.
This area is famous for its blue fire phenomenon, a result of sulfuric gas that emerges from the crater, ignites, and burns, creating a striking visual effect.
