The deadly domino effect

The mud pools and vapours of the Solfatara di Pozzuoli volcano crater have attracted tourists for thousands of years. Located near Naples, Italy, the crater has been dormant for more than eight centuries but, as one family of three tragically discovered in September 2017, it still contains hidden dangers. It began when the child fell into a pothole and lost consciousness. Focused on rescuing their child, the two parents quickly descended the 2.5-metre hole, only to find themselves quickly overcome by fumes. A fellow tourist followed, but stopped their descent just in time – they knew the smell in the hole signalled imminent peril. Instead, they rushed for help. By the time it came, the family members were dead. ¹ It was the latest in a perilous domino effect that has been seen around the world.