In an incredible ironic contrast to a volcano’s history, an American tourist fell into the crater of Mount Vesuvius, when he tried to retrieve his cell phone.

Mount Vesuvius’ last eruption was in 1944, but is still considered active. 

Citizens in Pompeii thought it was dormant too, but they were buried by ash in the eruption in 79 AD.

Italian police say the 23-year-old Baltimore man was hiking with family on Saturday on a forbidden trail. The trail had danger signs, warning hikers not to trespass. 

The man suffered bruises, but refused hospitalization. 

The crater is 984 feet deep, according to the national park’s website. 

The area is a popular tourist attraction.

According to the website, www.visitpompeiivesuvius.com/en/vesuvius, Mount Vesuvius is one of only two active volcanoes in Continental Europe. Mount Vesuvius National Park has views of picturesque small farms and wineries. Visiting the crater is a must for tourists who climb the paths to see the magnificent views of the landscape. Visitors have been coming since the 1600s, and the crater was considered an exotic attraction by tourists on what was known as the Grand Tour. 

Hiking up Mount Vesuvius is one of the most popular activities in the area, and tourist guides accompany people to the top of the mountain.

Italian police will decide whether to prosecute the American tourist for trespassing on an unauthorized trail.