Dozen feared killed in NZ volcano hell
‘no signs of life’ after eruption on new zealand tour destination
FIVE people are confirmed dead and eight are still missing after a volcano erupted in New Zealand yesterday.
Horrifying webcam images showed holidaymakers and guides standing in the crater moments before the eruption hit White Island.
One of the victims of the blast was a Kiwi tour guide. A total of 31 tourists remain in hospital.
Authorities said up to 50 people were on White Island at the time – 24 of them Australian cruise ship passengers.
Rescuers said 18 survivors were evacuated immediately after the 2.11pm eruption – leaving eight missing. They said there was no sign of life on the island, also known as Whakaari, following the devastating blast.
Victims suffering from severe burns were ferried to New Zealand’s North Island, 30 miles away, on tourist boats.
At least seven of the injured remain in a critical condition in hospitals in Tauranga and Auckland.
Rescuers were unable to get on to the popular island near the Bay of Plenty because of fears of further eruptions.
But police said aerial reconnaissance flights had not identified any signs of life. They added in a statement: “We believe anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of evacuation.
“Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island.”
Experts said allowing tourist trips to the volcano had “been a disaster waiting to happen”.
New Zealand Red Cross set up a website for worried relatives to register and post details of their loved ones feared missing.
The Red Cross list includes people from countries including Britain, Australia, Czech Republic, China, Holland and India.
Images showed a badly-damaged helicopter sitting close to the crater after the massive blast.
Operator Volcanic Air said the pilot and four passengers were unharmed and returned to the mainland by boat.
Survivors covered in ash could be seen
huddling in an inflatable dinghy taking them to safety.
Others stood together on a jetty, with one terrified woman appearing to wade into the sea.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met rescue teams last night and praised them for their efforts.
She is expected to visit the island today as drones are deployed to look for victims.
Mrs Ardern confirmed “both New Zealanders and visitors from overseas” were on the island when it erupted. Privately-owned White Island is the country’s most active volcano and popular tourist destination, attracting 10,000 people each year.
US tourist Michael Schade posted a video on Twitter showing a 12,000ft plume of ash – a week after experts said it could blow.
He said: “This is so hard to believe. Our group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater 30 minutes before.”
Prof Ray Cas, from Australia’s Monash University, added: “I have always felt it was too dangerous to allow the daily tour groups that visit.”