Family of three killed in horrific volcano accident in Italy

The mother and father reportedly fell into the crater while trying to save their son
EPA
Jonathan Mitchell12 September 2017

Three members of the same family have died after they fell into a volcanic crater near Naples.

Italian media has reported the three family members, from Turin, died instantly after they fell into the Solfatara crater, near Pozzuoli, which has a temperature of over 1,000 Celsius.

Officials said the mother and father died after they jumped into the hole while trying to rescue their 11-year-old child who had fallen in.

The father, 45, mother, 42, and 11-year-old child all died in the horrific accident, while a 7-year-old was reportedly saved as he scrambled away.

The mother and father reportedly fell into the crater while trying to save their son
EPA

One eyewitness said he saw the children cross a safety barrier at the tourist hotspot before the tragedy unfolded.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene within minutes, but were unable to save any of the three family members.

Rescuers stand near the crater in Naples
EPA

Diego Vitagliano told the Sun: "I saw a child run crying, I did not think I was facing the worst tragedy of my life, I'm a father, too.

"I was at the Solfatara for work, along with other visitors we realised that something had happened and we approached the crater - still confessed the witness - I did not imagine what I would see.

"They pulled out two bodies, then pulled us away. I continue to think about that family and that poor baby crying and asking for help. "

Rescue workers rushed to save the family, but they were reportedly killed instantly when they fell into the crater
EPA

The dormant Solfatara crater last erupted in 1198 and has become popular with tourists.

It is known for its sulphurous fumes and in Roman myth was purported to be the home of the god Vulcan.

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