Hawaiian volcano eruption threatens major highway with lava flow

Molten rock from Mauna Loa could damage the Big Island's transportation infrastructure - and no one can stop it

Rivers of glowing lava oozing from the world's largest volcano could swallow the main highway linking the east and west coasts of Hawaii's Big Island as early as this weekend, and there's nothing humans can do to stop it, experts said.

Mauna Loa awoke from its 38-year slumber on Sunday, spewing volcanic ash and debris into the sky. The molten rock is drawing thousands of awestruck viewers to Route 200 as it passes near Hawaii Volcanoes national park, and they endure a thick smell of volcanic gases and sulfur to watch the wide stream of lava creep closer.