Briton’s lucky escape as volcano buries town
A BRITON who climbed the neighbouring peak to an erupting volcano in Guatemala just a day before at least 62 people were killed has said he feels “fortunate” to have escaped harm.
Hundreds of people were injured when Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) exploded shortly before noon on Sunday, spewing ash and molten rock over the surrounding area.
The nearby town of El Rodeo has been “buried” say officials.
Richard Fitz-Hugh, a backpacker from Beaconsfield, Bucks, trekked to the base camp of Acatenango, two miles from Volcan de Fuego, on Saturday.
He said: “It was fine then, erupting as normal with lava flows, but it was a lot worse today.
“We heard about six people who were killed and more who were injured, that was at the foot of the volcano.”
Tourists can take guided tours up Volcan de Fuego's neighbour to view the frequent volcanic activity.
Mr Fitz-Hugh said: “We knew it was active, it's all part of the experience, you go up and see the lava, that's the point of climbing Acatenango.
“I don't know anyone who has been physically harmed [on Acatenango], but obviously it wouldn't be completely safe being up high today – I'm sort of fortunate that I did it before.”
The Foreign Office has told Britons visiting and living near the Central American country's capital Guatemala City, the city of Antigua and areas near the volcano to keep up to date with local officials' advice.
Britons travelling to and from Guatemala are advised to check with their airlines after La Aurora International Airport was closed until at least 2pm yesterday.