Explosion at Kilauea Summit Lava Lake

An explosion occurred at Kilauea’s summit Sunday after a portion of the Halema’uma’u Crater wall collapsed.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the collapse occurred at 1:20 p.m. and led to an impact of the summit’s lava lake. Upon hitting the lava, the area exploded, creating spatter and a “robust particle-laden plume,” according to HVO. In addition, “fist-size clasts were deposited around the closed Halema’uma’u visitor overlook.”

Between Saturday and Sunday mornings the lava lake remained consistently active. According to officials, the lava lake overflowed only one time during the time-span at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Stay with BigIslandNow.com as we continue to provide the latest coverage of Kilauea Volcano activity.

A portion of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater wall collapsed Sunday. USGS/HVO photo.