A recent hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin has tragically resulted in the deaths of three children and 15 animals. The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. local time near Sapphire Pool, approximately 3.5 kilometers northwest of the Old Faithful geyser.
Eyewitness accounts describe a massive column of gray smoke rising over the thermal area, accompanied by falling debris and rocks. Visitors, including numerous children, scrambled to escape the blast along the park’s wooden boardwalks. One eyewitness recounted, “We saw more steam coming up and within seconds it became this huge thing… it just exploded and became like a black cloud that covered the sun.”
In the aftermath, the Biscuit Basin area, including its parking lot and boardwalks, was closed for safety assessments. Photos revealed extensive damage, with the boardwalk covered in black dust and debris, and wooden guardrails destroyed.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of Yellowstone’s dynamic and unpredictable geothermal landscape. While hydrothermal explosions are rare, they can have devastating consequences. Park officials continue to monitor the situation and are working to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of the park’s unique ecosystem which had make life uncomfortable for the family of the deceased this evening
