(ANSA) - Naples, September 12 - A couple and an 11-year-old boy have died at the Solfatara volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, near Naples, police said on Tuesday. Another child, aged seven, survived.
Solfatara is part of the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. It is dormant but still emits jets of steam with sulfurous fumes.
"I'm distraught by what happened at the Solfatara volcano," said Pozzuoli Mayor Vincenzo Figliolia.
"I feel deep pain for this inhuman tragedy involving three tourists.
"I express the full support of the community of Pozzuoli to the families of the victims". The family lived in Meolo, a town in the province of Venice, and the mother worked at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Other visitors were told to exit and the site was closed. The surviving child was put temporarily into the care of local social workers flanked by a psychologist, with the grandparents set to arrive later on Tuesday. The Solfatara volcanic site is privately owned and managed by the Vulcano Solfatara srl company.
It has an 2.3 kilometre perimeter.
It highest point, Monte Olibano, is 199 metres above sea level and its crater is 92 metres above sea level.
The site is open all year and also hosts evening visits.
Three die at Solfatara crater
Parents, son fell into boiling-hot mud - initial reconstruction