The man was extremely lucky to be alive. Image Credit: US Geological Survey
A visitor to Hawaii's Kilauea volcano got more than he bargained for after climbing over the safety railings.
The 32-year-old soldier, who had scaled the railings at Steaming Bluff overlook to get a better look at the volcano's caldera, lost his footing and plummeted over the edge of the 300ft drop.
His miraculous survival has been attributed to the fact that he happened to land on a tiny 2ft-wide ledge around 70ft down.
A rescue team used ropes, a stretcher and a helicopter to winch the man to safety. He was described as "alive, but seriously injured" by officials however his condition is now believed to be stable.
"Visitors should never cross safety barriers, especially around dangerous and destabilized cliff edges," said chief ranger John Broward.
"Crossing safety barriers and entering closed areas can result in serious injuries and death."
No offense, but people who are willing to take a level of risk like that is exactly what the army needs. "Private, I need you to take this grenade, run up through that machine gun fire, and toss it into that bunker!"
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