Viral Video Shows Hikers Fleeing Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia

Some hikers in Indonesia recently learned the vital importance of following the rules. Mount Dukono, an active volcano, erupted unexpectedly while they were on the mountain. A government drone reportedly captured the viral footage showing the hikers trying to descend the mountain in the midst of the eruption. In the video, you can see a huge plume of volcanic ash and debris billowing toward the hikers as they try desperately to escape.

The public can’t legally go within two miles of Mount Dukono’s crater, according to Priatin Hadi Wijaya, the head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation. Wijaya further told news outlets that the government has advised against climbing or visiting the mountain at all because of the ongoing risk of volcanic activity.

Unfortunately, these hikers summited the mountain despite the warnings. They ended up in the midst of the Dukono eruption on August 17. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries, which seems like a miracle.

Watch hikers flee the Mount Dukono eruption here:

It’s always controversial when governments limit people’s access to outdoor places. Should the public be allowed to take risks as they see fit? Or should the government keep people safe from themselves in cases like this?