Toxic lake in Siberia
Instagrammers flock to toxic lake in Siberia for selfies
Turquoise-colored energy plant's ash dump site has been nicknamed the local 'Maldives' for attracting bikini-clad models and wedding couples, who are risking their health for snaps; 'The rash is almost gone,' says one visitor whose photo was 'liked' 400 times
An industrial dump site in Siberia whose turquoise lake resembles a tropical paradise has become a magnet for Instagrammers who risk their health in the toxic water to wow online followers.
But the Siberian Generating Company, which owns the site, says the lake's bright colours are due to calcium oxides - substances found in quicklime and harmful to humans - diluted in shallow waters.
Bikini-clad models, paddle-boarders and romantic couples are using a Novosibirsk energy plant's ash dump site - nicknamed the local "Maldives" - as background for their snaps, posing as if relaxing in a holiday paradise.
Alexei Cherenkov, whose photo on a unicorn float was "liked" almost 400 times
Couples take romantic photos on a toxic dump
Although the company has hung warning signs, the photographers keep coming, driven by the quest for Instagram "likes".
"The rash is gone already, but I would not recommend tasting this water," said Alexei Cherenkov, whose photo on a unicorn float was "liked" almost 400 times.
Instagram models flock to the toxic lake (Photo: AFP)
"I went there for a pretty picture. Our city is grey and this is one of the available 'beautiful' places," he told AFP.
Cherenkov said there was no security, and the lake attracts many weekend visitors. "Some people even go there for barbecues."
Instagram models flock to the toxic lake (Photo: AFP)
Photographer Yekaterina Aksyutina went to the lake with clients - a couple who posed for romantic photos in wedding attire.
"It was an important date in their relationship and they asked for a photo session there," she said.
"Nobody went for a swim or touched the water, we know it might be dangerous."
Novosibirsk energy plant's ash dump site (Photo: AFP)
The Siberian Generating Company has cautioned that the site is off limits.
"The territory is an industrial zone, not a nature reserve or aquatic park," it says on its website, warning people not to go into the water or use it to water plants.
