Tourist dies after plunging off cliff while posing for photo at Indonesian volcano

SHAH ALAM – What began as an anticipated holiday turned into a heartbreaking incident as a Chinese tourist lost her life after plunging off a cliff while posing for a photo on an Indonesian volcano on April 20.

The unfortunate incident occurred during a guided tour at a volcano tourism park in East Java province, where Zhang Yong, 32, and his wife, Huang Lihong, 31, were supposedly ascending to the crater to witness the sunrise when the tragedy struck.

According to online news portal Independent, the tour guide had forewarned the couple about the dangers of the crater.

Initially, Huang maintained a prudent distance of two to three metres from the cliff's edge while posing for snapshots.

However, in an attempt to find a more picturesque backdrop near a tree with scanty branches, she accidentally stepped backward on her flowy attire and plummeted from the cliff.

"Police reported that she fell from a height of 75 metres and died from the impact. The incident has been classified as an accident," the article read.

A video of the incident was also shared on the social media, and garnered a wave of condolences from netizens.

While many expressed sorrow over the incident, some criticised the reckless behaviour exhibited by individuals in pursuit of capturing the perfect shot.

One social media user @sararaffaelle commented "I've seen people taking crazy high risks just to take pics over the Grand Canyon. One was even upside down on their hands near the edge just for a pic!"

Another user @kim. horrill added "Unfortunately, I see these types of risky behaviours everywhere I travel to get photos. And incredibly disrespectful selfies on sacred and hallowed grounds."

"All for the grams," remarked @alex teflondon.

In the meantime, @debbimouradjian expressed "How tragic,"

@mikexmoody also commented "Smartphones are a public health problem indeed,"

The volcano tourism park in Ijen is renowned for its breathtaking "blue fire" spectacle, caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases.

Referred to as Kawah Ijen, meaning to "lonely crater," it attracts both tourists and miners who harvest solidified yellow sulphur for diverse uses.