Hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park damages boardwalk

A hydrothermal explosion took place at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin Tuesday, damaging a boardwalk as several park guests ran to safety.

The explosion occurred at the Biscuit Basin thermal area around 10 a.m. local time, appearing to originate near the Black Diamond Pool, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no injuries immediately reported.

Biscuit Basin as well as its boardwalks and parking lots are closed for visitor safety as park geologists investigate what occurred, USGS reported. The popular tourist spot is located roughly two miles northwest of Old Faithful.

Volcanic activity for the Yellowstone region remains at normal levels, according to USGS.

Video captures explosion

Video shared on Facebook captured the eruption that sent people running away as it created a massive fume in its wake.

Facebook user Vlada March, who posted the video, wrote on platform that the explosion occurred right in front of her and her family.

"Boardwalk destroyed, my mom got some of the debris but everyone is safe. Unbelievable and grateful to be alive," March wrote.

"Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface," USGC wrote.

What are hydrothermal explosions?

Hydrothermal explosions are geothermal explosions that occur when superheated water rapidly flashes to steam underground, per the USGS.

The events are relatively common in Yellowstone, USGS reported.

A similar "small" explosion was reported in the Norris Geyser Basin on April 15, 2024 and another in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009, per USGS.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park damages boardwalk