Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Hawaii volcano latest: Footage shows blue flames bursting through cracks in road after eruption

Lava, sulfur dioxide, methane and steam released into the atmosphere

Thursday 24 May 2018 12:30 BST
Comments
Blue flames appear from cracks in Hawaii road

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Footage has captured rare blue flames bursting through cracks in a road in Hawaii following the Kilauea volcano eruption.

The volcano produces methane when hot lava buries and burns plants and trees.

When this gas flows up through cracks in the road it ignites and produces a blue flame.

"It's very dramatic. It's very eerie," Jim Kauahikaua, a US Geological Survey scientist, said, adding it was just the second time he had seen blue flames during an eruption.

The methane can also cause explosions when it ignites while trapped underground, tossing rocks into the air, said Wendy Stovall, a scientist at the geological survey.

Hawaii County has ordered around 2,000 people to evacuate from Leilani Estates and surrounding neighbourhoods since the eruption began on 3 May.

The volcano has opened more than 20 vents in the ground that have released lava, sulfur dioxide and steam. The lava has been pouring down the volcano and into the ocean miles away.

The eruption, which has been going on for more than two weeks, has destroyed 50 buildings, including many homes.

One person was seriously injured after being hit by a flying piece of lava.

Authorities have warned that even small pieces of molten rock can kill.

Agencies contributed to this report

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in