Lava creeps onto geothermal plant site on Hawaii's Big Island

PAHOA, Hawaii - Molten lava from the erupting Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island crept onto a geothermal power plant site on Monday, as workers rushed to shut down the facility to prevent the uncontrollable release of toxic gases.

Crews worked into the night to cap the 11th and final well at the Puna Geothermal Venture plant, which provides about 25 percent of the Big Island's power, as lava from an active fissure flowed 200 to 300 meters from the nearest well pad, county and federal officials said.

"County, state and federal partners have been collaborating closely to monitor the situation and work with PGV to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities," the county said.