An 11-year-old boy and his parents have died after falling into a volcanic crater at Solfatara di Pozzuoli, near Naples, Italian authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The family, originally from Turin but residing near Venice, were visiting the tourist site when the incident occurred around 11am.
According to Italian press reports, the boy entered a prohibited area, fainted due to sulphurous gas fumes, and fell into the crater. His parents attempted to rescue him but the crater collapsed, plunging them into the three-metre (10ft) deep hole. Their seven-year-old son survived because he had left to seek help.
Firefighters recovered the bodies and stated that the victims likely died from asphyxia caused by hot gases emanating from the ground. “Either there was a small explosion, or the ground simply gave way from their weight, and they fell into this hole,” said national fire brigade spokesman Luca Cari.
The younger boy ran to a bar at the crater entrance, where staff comforted him for several hours. Bar owner Armando Guerriero described the scene: “He saw his parents and brother falling into the crater. He didn’t know whether they were alive or dead. He was crying and calling his mother’s name.”
Solfatara, a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1198, emits steam with sulphurous fumes and is part of the Campi Flegrei area, a network of ancient volcanic craters with scorching hot surfaces. The site is managed by a private company and remains open year-round for guided or self-guided visits.
