Authorities have been warning tourists to stop visiting a ghost town that turned out to be a popular destination for extreme tourists because the air is toxic enough to kill.
The town of Wittenoom in Western Australia was severed from the power grid and removed from the maps after thousands of miners passed away due to high levels of asbestos present in the air.
While there are warning signs urging people to stay away from the toxic area all around the ghost town, extreme tourists continue to push their luck by entering the town illegally.
For the sake of taking a picture with abandoned homes and cars and the iconic Doc Holiday’s Cafe, thrill-seeking tourists, including full families, continue breaking the rules and exposing themselves to life-threatening conditions.
According to Ben Wyatt, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Lands, the presence of asbestos in the air is still far too great for humans to be anywhere near the town.
“Exposure to a single fibre of these tailings could prove fatal,” Mr. Wyatt revealed in an interview with Nine Honey.
“I have a simple message for anyone thinking of travelling to Wittenoom. Don’t.
“These warnings signs are not there for decoration or to add your Instagram collection. They are serious warnings about serious health consequences.
“I can’t stress enough that it is particularly foolish to travel to Wittenoom. There are plenty of gorges in WA which do not bring with them the threat of fatal consequences.”
What are your thoughts on this matter and the fact that some tourists want to visit the prohibited area despite the high risks associated with the ghost town?
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