Not only is Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, known for its spectacular volcanic origin and occasional activity. Also, traditionally, are canaries (as in 'birds') kept in cages in coal mines to warn of the presence of noxious gases by dropping dead from their perches - it's not as if these things were utterly undetectable and hence evilly sneaky. Also, these people were supposed to be 'scientists' who ought to know about volcanoes and their gases - if not in great detail, then at least general education should have told them that volcanoes can be dangerous.

Also, the scientists were French, Spanish and Italian - unlike potential Brits or Americans, they were perfectly capable of talking to the locals. And the locals knew very well, had known for decades.

As The Guardian writes,

"Neither they nor the other group appeared to have been accompanied by an experienced guide. One group reportedly received instructions via mobile phone on which path they should follow through the tunnels.

[...]

The tunnels are notorious for the presence of volcanic gases; local media reported that three people died in a similar tunnel on Tenerife seven years ago.

[...]

"They went into the worst possible place," a former worker in the same man-made tunnel complex, Jorge Zamorano, told El País newspaper. He said the natural gases in the tunnels were a lethal trap."

As the German language newspaper 'Die Zeit' notes in its online edition, the tunnels and caverns are known to the locals under the unmistakeable moniker 'Caves of Death'.

For walking in there, guideless and unprotected while still calling themselves 'scientists', despite all the overwhelming warnings from all sides, the six dead in that incident truly deserve a Darwin Award - such lack of common sense and overwhelming hubris belong removed from the gene pool!

Sources:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2010920,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=travel http://www.zeit.de/news/artikel/2007/02/12/91875.xml

Submitted on 02/13/2007

Submitted by: Sethos
Reference: The Guardian, Feb. 13 2007

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
This seems to be one of the few examples of mass stupidity where there might not be any "bystanders"! Just the same, I am unsure as to how to approach this one. The visual is cartoony enough for me, but it otherwise walks a very gray line between what we accept and reject. I will thus let Darwin decide!

Graham said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
Now this one IS interesting. Is it possible for so many scientists all to be SO dumb? Apparently so. This one could pave the way for a new MASS STUPIDITY award which is sorely needed. I awarded this one on my own pages for human stupidity. Let's see what Wendy says on this one: it's her call.

Chip said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I agree with you both. Maybe a new chapter in the next book about Mass Self Selection... Thanks Sethos

Shadow said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
first mass darwin? it would be a great story of mass selection... how could so many "educated" people make such a mistep?

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4