[imagesource:theworldtravelguy]

As a group of climbers stood celebrating on the edge of Indonesia’s Dukono volcano’s crater, their triumph was shattered by a sudden, violent eruption.

With the ground trembling beneath their feet and ash billowing into the sky, they had no choice but to run for their lives, sliding down the treacherous slopes in a desperate bid for survival.

This terrifying scene was caught on camera on August 17, showing the active volcano on Halmahera island exploding with black fury as the group trekked to the top, despite warnings to stay within a 1.8-mile safe zone.

The remarkable drone footage shows a huge dust cloud emerging from the 1,335-metre-tall volcano as the climbers appeared at the edge of the crater, scrambling at warp speed to get away from the ash cloud that was about to engulf them.

The Independent reported that there were miraculously, no injuries reported.

Indonesia sits squarely in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region in the Pacific Ocean that is home to 450 active volcanoes. The island of Halmahera houses two of these – Mount Ibu and Mount Dukano.

Strict guidelines exist for visiting these volatile volcanoes due to their unpredictable nature. Dukano, in particular, has been erupting continuously since the 1930s, and it remains under a Level II alert, barring anyone from venturing within three kilometres of its crater. However, this daring hiking group defied that ban, choosing to push the limits despite the looming danger.

Muhammad Reza, who filmed the scenes, said: “Climbers should not force for the summit climb when the situation is not possible.

“Don’t forget, reaching the peak is a bonus. Getting home safely is the real purpose of the hike.”

They can count their blessings they were not completely swallowed.

[source:independent]