East Java, April 23: A Chinese tourist tragically fell to her death while posing for a photo on Indonesia's Ijen volcano. Huang Lihong and her husband Zhang Yong were on a guided tour of the East Java province, seeking to witness the famed "blue fire" phenomenon. Despite warnings from their tour guide about the perilous terrain, Lihong ventured too close to the edge, causing her fatal fall of approximately 250 feet into the crater.

As per a report by the New York Post, in a bid to watch the sunrise and capture pictures with the backdrop of the blue fire phenomenon, the couple had claimed the volcano. However, despite the initial warnings from the tour guide about the dangers of the area, Lihong ventured too close to the edge of the crater in an attempt to capture a photo with a backdrop of bare branches. As she moved backwards to adjust her position, she accidentally tripped on her long clothing and plummeted into the crater. Residents Evacuated As Indonesia’s Ruang Volcano Erupts in North Sulawesi, Videos Surface.

Rescuers faced a challenging task as they worked for about two hours to retrieve Lihong's body from the crater, as reported by the Independent. Authorities have classified the incident as an accident, and arrangements were made to transport her body to Bali before it is flown back to China. The Ijen volcano, known for its "blue fire" phenomenon caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases, attracts tourists seeking to witness this natural spectacle. Tsunami Alert in Indonesia: Volcanic Eruption From Mount Ruang Near Sulawesi Island Triggers Tsunami Warning, Over 800 Evacuated.

However, the site poses inherent risks due to its active nature. In 2018, the volcano emitted toxic gases, leading to evacuations and hospitalisations. Despite such incidents, Mount Ijen remains accessible to the public, with millions of Indonesians residing and working in proximity to active volcanoes for the fertile farming soil they provide. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities emphasise the need for vigilance and awareness when visiting volcanic sites to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent further tragedies.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2024 10:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).