Fake Volcano in Minnesota Waterpark 'Erupts,' Sending Guests Running
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
An imitation volcano in a hotel and water park's swimming pool developed delusions of grandeur, forcing guests to flee to the parking lot in their bare feet and swimsuits.
The 20-foot-tall plastic volcano at the Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark started belching black smoke and shooting flames Thursday. The hotel manager said a malfunctioning internal speaker ignited the fire.
Firefighters helped put out the fire, but not before part of the volcano melted.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The displaced swimmers were given blankets and directed to the nearby Perkins and Black Woods restaurants. Once guests were allowed back into their rooms, the staff treated them to in-room ice cream Thursday night.
The Edgewater reopened in January 2006 after a 14-month, $20 million remodeling project.