Army rescues 53 people trapped near Llaima volcano

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MELIPEUCO.- A caravan consisting of two Army trucks and a dozen private vehicles arrived in Melipeuco at 11:00 AM to evacuate the remaining 53 tourists and CONAF officials from the center of Conguillío National Park, where the Llaima volcano is located.

This group of 53 evacuees is in addition to 150 others who had been evacuated yesterday afternoon. The rescue managed to safely remove all tourists and officials, leaving the national park entirely empty.

Mario Acuña, the local director for the entity, has stated that the park will remain closed indefinitely. He has also said that access points will only be reopened once the yellow alert issued by regional authorities has been lifted.

The indefinite closure of the park could prevent 40 thousand visitors expected by CONAF this summer season from coming to the park.

Those most recently evacuated are staying inside of vehicles in Melipeuco. They are taking in much needed nourishment and rest after a terrifying night of violent, booming explosions from the Llaima crater.