Yemen's "Spider-Man" climber Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar dies in 400-foot fall into a volcanic crater
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, known as the "Spider-Man of Yemen," died after falling into the 390-foot-deep Hardah Dam volcanic crater while free climbing without safety equipment.
- Antar was performing acrobatic stunts without ropes or harnesses, and his fatal fall occurred during a widely shared video demonstration at the crater near Damt city.
- Yemen's Civil Defense Authority recovered Antar's body from about 65 feet below the crater lake, which contains sulfur-rich, hot waters and hazardous gases, complicating rescue efforts.
- His death sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing the extreme risks and others sympathizing, citing his efforts to escape poverty through viral videos.
- The Civil Defense Authority warned the public to exercise caution near natural hazards like craters, emphasizing the importance of safety guidelines amid the growing popularity of free climbing fueled by social media.
