Volcano Erupts in Nicaragua, Injuring Two

The Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2001

MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) - A volcano erupted near the capital Monday and rained red-hot rock over vehicles on a road below, slightly injuring two people and shattering windows on a bus carrying American tourists. The eruption of the 2,086-foot Santiago volcano also spewed volcanic ash over several nearby hamlets, but there were no reports of any injury or damage, officials said.

The fiery rock set off a fire in a forest on the volcano's slopes, just 13 miles southeast of Managua. Police closed the area to allow firefighters to control the blaze.

A 15-pound chunk of incandescent rock smashed the hood of car near while a smaller rock smashed through the rear winddow, slightly injuring the two men inside, the Red Cross reported.

The officials also said the volcanic shower shattered windows in a bus carrying U.S. tourists. But Freddy Lepiz, manager of Carely Tour, said no one was injured.

The visit to the volcano, an area with scenic overlooks and a crater lake, was part of a cruise-ship package for the U.S. tourists, Lepiz said.

AP-ES-04-23-01 2302EDT

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001