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Tourists Pelted by Molten Rock During Volcán de Fuego Hike

The viral footage highlights how quickly routine low-level eruptions can endanger close-up Acatenango–Fuego ridge treks.

Overview

  • Video shows hikers shouting and running as glowing rock and ash rained onto the Fuego ridge, forcing the group to scramble down steep trails.
  • Hiker Hana García told local media a molten rock nearly hit her and burned a hole through part of her coat, but there are no reports of fatalities.
  • Clips of the episode were widely shared online, including a clip distributed by AccuWeather that captured people yelling “Run! Run!” and one tourist carrying a dog to safety.
  • Researchers at Oregon State University say Fuego often produces small explosions every 15 to 20 minutes, and coverage recalled the volcano’s deadly 2018 eruption that killed more than 100 people.
  • The incident raises fresh questions about the risks of close-up volcano tourism on the Acatenango–Fuego ridge and could prompt calls for clearer safety guidance for hikers.