Indonesia: Chinese Woman Posing For Photos Falls Into Volcano & Dies

A Chinese couple's trip to Indonesia, a country known for its scenic beaches and volcanos, turned into an unimaginable tragedy when the woman fell into the crater of an active volcano. The woman was posing for a picture in East Java and accidentally fell into the volcano falling 250 feet deep inside. 

The 31-year-old deceased, identified as Huang Lihong, was on a tourist-guided tour along with her husband to Mount Ijen volcano which is a popular tourist destination in Indonesia known for its "blue fire."

Chinese Woman Posing For Pics Dies Slipping Into Volcano In Indonesia

The tourist couple along with their guided tour group climbed to the crater rim of Mount Ijen to witness sunrise which is a popular activity for the volcano's dramatic landscape and mesmerising "blue fire" phenomenon.

As per the statements by the tour guild to authorities, Huang was posing for photographs near the edge of the crater but kept a safe distance as she was repetitively warned about the dangers. However, she then started walking backwards inching closer to the precipice when she stepped on her long clothing (not confirmed if a dress or a skirt) and she tripped into the mouth of the volcano while her husband was clicking her photographs.

The image circulating in the local media shows Huang posing with one leg raised above the ground with blue clouds of the volcano forming behind her, minutes before the deadly tumble which is expected to be the cause of Huang losing her footing. As per the local authorities, the search and rescue teams were immediately deployed but it took them around two hours to retrieve the body of Huang due to treacherous terrain and hazardous volcanic fumes. Huang's death is now ruled as a fatal accident and her body is transported to Bali before being flown her to China. 

Mount Ijen is a popular tourist spot in Indonesia known for its active volcano and its blue fire phenomenon. These blue fires are formed due to the combustion of sulphuric gases. However, the volcano also poses dangers as in 2018 many people living around Mount Ijen were forced to evacuate their houses and around 30 people were hospitalised as the volcano regularly emits small amounts of noxious gas from its volcanic fumes. It also has loose rocks and steeps, however, the site is open to the public.

Huang's death is a reminder to adhere to the safety guidelines and precautions, and respecting designated boundaries is crucial to ensure safety and an enjoyable trip.