The Baltimore resident has been identified as Philip Carroll and was visiting the famous volcano with three family members on Saturday when the incident occurred. Vesuvius is known for its eruption in AD 79. and the destruction of the Roman city of Pompeii, burying the city and its inhabitants in ash, which has remarkably preserved the ancient site to this day. Vesuvius is considered an active – but dormant – volcano and last erupted in 1944.
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Paolo Cappelli, president of the Presidio Permanente Vesuvio, a base for guides at the top of Mount Vesuvius, told NBC News that Carroll and his family climbed to the top of the volcano via a limited path. Story continues below ad “This family took another trail, closed to tourists, even though there was a small gate and ‘no access’ signs,” Cappelli said. When the family reached the 1,280m volcano, Carroll took out his phone to take a selfie and accidentally dropped it into the crater. He decided to follow it.
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“He tried to retrieve it, but he slipped and slid a few meters into the crater. He was able to stop his fall, but at that point he was stuck,” Cappelli said. Trending Stories
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“He was very lucky. Had he continued, he would have dived 300 meters into the crater,” he added. Presidio Permanente Vesuvio guides spotted Carroll with binoculars on the other side of the crater rim and rushed to his aid, using a long rope to pull him to safety. Italian police and a mountain rescue helicopter also responded to help with the rescue, according to the Guardian.
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Miraculously, Carroll only suffered scratches, bruises and cuts to his hands and back from the fall. CNN reported that he was treated at the scene and did not want to be taken to the hospital, according to police. Story continues below ad There were reportedly two British tourists who were also spotted walking the forbidden path. NBC News found a video shared on Instagram Sunday that appeared to be posted by Carroll’s brother. The video shows a view from the top of Mount Vesuvius and a voice can be heard saying: “We walked to the top of a literal f—–g volcano!”
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After being rescued, Carroll was taken into custody, Cappelli said. So far, Carroll and his family have not been charged, but local prosecutors are currently deciding whether to pursue formal charges against them for trespassing on public land. Carroll has made no public comment on the incident. 1:56 Archaeologists work to uncover new bones discovered in Pompeii Archaeologists work to uncover new bones discovered in Pompeii – October 25, 2018 © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
