Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan faced a life-threatening ordeal over the weekend after his SUV slid into a hot, acidic pond in a remote geothermal area. O’Sullivan, known globally as “The Rocket” for his high-speed, intense play on the snooker table, found himself in an unexpected high-stakes situation—this time, one that had nothing to do with sports.
The incident took place while O’Sullivan was on a scenic drive near an inactive geyser field, renowned for its captivating yet treacherous landscapes. Reports indicate that O’Sullivan was maneuvering along a narrow road when loose gravel caused his SUV to veer off course. Before he could regain control, the vehicle tipped over the edge, plunging into a hidden pond filled with acidic, heated water—a byproduct of geothermal activity.
O’Sullivan acted quickly, reacting with the same precision that defines his snooker game. Realizing the SUV was beginning to submerge, he forced open the window and waded out, grappling against the harsh, acidic waters to reach the shoreline. Fortunately, he emerged with only minor burns and scrapes, a testament to his quick reflexes and calmness under pressure.
“It was terrifying,” O’Sullivan later recounted. “One moment I was taking in the beautiful view, and the next, I was fighting to get out of that pond. The water was scalding, and it was burning through my clothes. I just had to react and get out of there as fast as possible.”
The local authorities and emergency services responded promptly, securing the area and removing the vehicle. Officials warned that O’Sullivan’s encounter highlights the hidden dangers of such geothermal zones, which can appear serene while masking potentially fatal conditions below the surface.
This experience, however, won’t keep O’Sullivan from future travels or the snooker table. Hours after the incident, he shared a lighthearted post on social media, remarking, “Snooker has nothing on this kind of pressure! But I’m grateful to be safe and sound. Time for some rest and recovery before getting back to the game.”
O’Sullivan’s brush with danger captivated fans, many of whom expressed relief and admiration for their resilient hero. With a new story of survival under his belt, “The Rocket” is expected to continue thrilling the snooker world, albeit with perhaps a bit more caution on his scenic drives.