THIS is the horror moment hikers run for their lives as a volcano erupts under their feet and spews choking plumes of smoke.
Harrowing footage shows the tourists mere metres from the crater when the volcano exploded into a mammoth cloud of ash and flying debris.
The terrified hikers were just metres away from the erupting volcanic crater Credit: X
The hikers were suddenly scrambling for their lives as the volcano erupted above them Credit: Carlos Enrique Porres Rodas via Storyful
The Santiaguito volcano erupted in a huge mass of ash, smoke and deadly flying rocks Credit: X
One heart-pounding POV clip showed the hikers running for their lives as they dodged flying rocks thrown out by the raging volcano.
One man tumbles down the hill head-first as he makes his escape.
The group was exploring the volcano when a sudden powerful eruption forced the troupe to turn around and flee in terror from the hurling rocks, ash and smoke.
Showers of rocks hailed down as the hapless explorers sprinted down the rocky mountain-side.
The hikers were climbing a route reportedly nicknamed “the death trail”.
It is also forbidden to climb up the Santiaguito volcano in Guatemala but the rule is often flaunted by adventure-seeking daredevils.
It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Central America due to its sudden and frequent eruptions.
The horror clip has gone viral and garnered several mixed reactions.
One online user blasted the hikers, saying: “Oh wow, why are you in a restricted area? Poor decision”.
Another added: “Don’t mess with the Santiaguito!!!”
And several people made jokes about Darwin and natural selection.
It follows the eruption of Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines which sent smoke up to 3 miles into the sky.
The mammoth cloud of ash billowed into a .
The summit exploded on Sunday 15 March earlier this year.
Locals noted a distinctly egg-like smell of sulphur in the air after the eruption.
Thick grey plumes of smoke and ash billowed from the live volcano Credit: X
The raging volcano could be seen far and wide as it spat out choking clouds of smoke Credit: Carlos Enrique Porres Rodas via Storyful
It is forbidden to climb the Santiaguito volcano due to its frequent violent eruptions Credit: X
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
