Thousands of people have flocked to an erupting volcano in Iceland to get a closer glimpse of the marvel at the hypnotic display of glowing red lava.?
The lava started to burst through a crack eruption in Mount Fagradalsfjall, late on Friday, marking the first such incident in the same volcanic system in about 900 years, BBC reported.?
The volcano is located only about 40km from the capital Reykjavik and can be reached after a 90-minute hike from the nearest road.
"It's absolutely breathtaking.?It smells pretty bad. For me what was surprising was the colours of the orange: much, much deeper than what one would expect,?Ulvar Kari Johannsson, who spent his Sunday visiting the scene, told news agency AFP.?
Also read:?Iceland Volcano Erupts In 900 Years & The Pictures Look Straight From Hell
Crowds began to gather throughout the weekend to see the lava flows from a safe distance, take pictures and, in one case, capture drone video of the lava and terrain.?
While the Icelandic Meteorological Office warned visitors about the potentially hazardous conditions near the site, it linked to a guide from the?Icelandic Travel Association?with tips about hiking and viewing the eruption.??
Also read:?In Pics: Icelandic Volcano Erupts, Lighting Up Night Sky Near Reykjavik
Access to the site was blocked in the first hours after the eruption.?Authorities then lifted the roadblocks but discouraged visits, but by Saturday afternoon visitors were allowed, under strict guidelines.?
Rescue teams were deployed over the weekend to help dozens of freezing and exhausted people find their way back to the road in the dark as weather conditions deteriorated.
On Monday morning, authorities again blocked the site due to high levels of gas pollution. There was complete blockade, and no one was allowed to make their way up to the eruption site.?
Also read:?A 45-Ft Ice Volcano That Has Taken Form Naturally Comes Up In Kazakhstan, People Are Awestruck