An overflowing lava pond has been spotted on the Pu'u O'o Crater floor. According to officials, the lava broke out at the base of the west flank of the cone Wednesday afternoon.

Less than an hour later, the crater floor and lava lake collapsed.

Two new lava flows are quickly advancing down slope.
Scientists say the events were not entirely unexpected since they've been watching the crater floor rise over the past month. (click to enlarge image)

"We felt that was leading to some kind of change. As the crater floor collapsed, so did the lava lake that was within Pu'u O'o Crater," Hawaii Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb said. "The lava lake that was within the Pu'u O'o Crater is no longer there."

"It was filled all the way up to the top with lava, but today you'll see it's all collapsed in and hollow inside. Big difference from yesterday," Blue Hawaiian Helicopter pilot James Cavaco said. "Had a huge cave in and the sides of the walls just caved in. Just tons of lava, rivers of lava."

The lava flow poses no hazards to residents, but the park has closed the Chain of Craters Road until further notice.

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