If you’re traveling in Alaska any time soon, put away the Instagram.
After the massive earthquake that hit Anchorage last week, authorities in Alaska are asking travelers and locals to stay away from a shockwave-mangled highway that has become a popular spot to snap a selfie, according to the Associated Press.
Alaska State Troopers have set up barricades and signs on Vine Road near Wasilla, north of Anchorage, which sustained extreme damage during the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake left the road in giant, broken pieces strewn across the area with massive holes containing asphalt sticking out of them. Alaska State Trooper spokesman Jonathon Taylor told the AP that the road looks like “shards of glass…from above, which makes a very fascinating visual. But it is also unsafe to be there.”
Taylor also mentioned that people have been dangerously seen trying to climb on the large cracks in the road in order to take photographs. Besides risking bodily harm or a nasty fall, Taylor warns that aftershocks can still be felt in the region, leading to further potential risk to people in the area — especially if they’re on unstable ground like the damaged road.
According to the AP, more than 2,100 aftershocks have occurred since the earthquake, with one shock measuring up to 5.7 in magnitude.
The gaping holes and shattered asphalt on Vine Road were actually due to the ground liquefying and buckling during the initial earthquake, the AP reported. Repairs are currently underway, according to KTUU.
“While it’s tempting to take selfies and explore, doing so is unsafe and inhibits the ability of officials to address the situation,” Alaska State Troopers said in a dispatch report, KTUU reported. “Construction work has begun, and heavy equipment is being brought into the area to facilitate repairs.”