A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, damaging a boardwalk and forcing several park visitors to evacuate to safety.
The explosion happened at about 10 a.m. local time in the Biscuit Basin geothermal field, near the Black Diamond Pool, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The USGS reported that Biscuit Basin, its trails and parking areas are closed for visitor safety while park geologists investigate the incident. The popular tourist spot is located about two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Volcanic activity in the Yellowstone region remains at normal levels, according to the USGS.
Video of the explosion
Video shared on Facebook showed the eruption, with huge plumes of smoke belching and people fleeing.
Vlada March, the Facebook user who posted the video, wrote on the platform that the explosion happened right in front of her and her family.
“The boardwalk was destroyed and my mother was caught in some of the rubble but we are all safe. It feels incredible but I am thankful to be alive,” March wrote.
“Hydrothermal explosions like today’s are not a sign of a volcanic eruption and are not caused by magma rising toward the surface,” the USGC wrote.
What is a hydrothermal explosion?
According to the USGS, a hydrothermal explosion is a geothermal explosion that occurs when superheated water rapidly turns to steam underground.
According to the USGS, this phenomenon is relatively common in Yellowstone.
Similar “small” explosions were reported in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15, 2024, and in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009, according to the USGS.
