Man in critical condition after fall into Kilauea volcano caldera

KAILUA-KONA — A man in his 30s is listed in critical condition after falling 60 feet down Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s steam vents’ lookout, officials said late Wednesday night.

Park personnel and and Hawaii Fire Department responders worked together to find and then extricate the man who had gone beyond the safety railing at the lookout.

The caldera floor is more than 300 feet down, but the victim fell shortly before 7 p.m. on a small ledge roughly 60 feet from the top, HFD stated in a press release. Rescue personnel worked together to extricate the victim in a stokes stretcher utilizing a rope raising system.

Once back on top, the victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center utilizing a military blackhawk. The patient was in critical condition.

Responders were back at their quarters shortly before 11 p.m.