Boy, 11, and parents killed after plunging into 1,000C volcanic crater when they were 'overcome by toxic fumes'

An 11-year-old boy and his parents have been killed after plunging into a 1,000-degree volcanic crater in Italy.

The youngster may have wandered into a prohibited area near Solfatara of Pozzuoli, a volcano to the west of Naples, according to Italian media reports.

The boy's mum, 42, and dad, 45, also perished as they tried to rescue him.

A second boy, aged seven, managed to scramble to safety and alert the authorities, according to reports.

It was suggested the family may have been overcome by toxic fumes.

Emergency service workers at the scene of the tragedy (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

The three bodies after being recovered from the crater (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

It is reported the family had travelled to the area from Turin in northern Italy.

The volcano last erupted in 1198 but still has craters that give off sulphur.

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