Biscuit Basin at Yellowstone Park to Remain Closed for the Summer After Hydrothermal Explosion

The explosion was not caused by volcanic activity, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A boardwalk damaged by a hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., on July 24, 2024. Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service via AP

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming has closed an area of the park for the rest of the summer after a hydrothermal explosion sent steam and debris flying hundreds of feet into the air on July 23, park officials said.

Videos on social media showed some park visitors running away from the dark steam plume near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, about two miles northwest of Old Faithful, shortly after 10 a.m. on July 23, according to officials at Yellowstone National Park. The boardwalk suffered damage but there were no reported injuries.