Up to 13 believed dead in volcanic eruption

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says ‘‘bigger questions’’ will be answered about the death of multiple tourists on Whakaari/White Island.

As many as 13 people are now thought to have been killed by an explosion on the volcanic island, off the Bay of Plenty coast, on Monday afternoon.

There were 47 people on or near the island at the time of the 2.11pm eruption. They were tourists and guides in White Island Tour groups out viewing the crater.

As of yesterday afternoon, five of those had been confirmed dead and eight remained missing, believed dead, on the island.

Among those killed were Whakata¯ne tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman.

Others missing, believed dead, included 23-year-old tour guide Tipene Maangi and a family of four believed to be from Sydney, Australia.

A further 31 people were being treated at seven hospitals throughout the country.

They included American honeymooners Lauren and Matt Urey, who suffered severe burns, infuriating her mother who was ‘‘livid’’ tourists were allowed on the island.

During a speech in the House yesterday, Ardern said serious questions must be asked and answered into how the tragedy happened and WorkSafe would be investigating.

‘‘But our focus now is on discharging our duty of care to support those affected and that is also the focus of the police. I say to those who have lost and grieve – you are forever linked to our nation and we will hold you.’’

She earlier praised the ‘‘brave’’ work of the first responders when she met with them at the Whakata¯ ne Fire Station. Ardern was seen hugging and shaking hands with those who were first at the scene to help.

She spoke briefly, describing the actions of first responders and helicopter pilots whose assistance was ‘‘incredibly brave’’.

‘‘What a community that

exists here. Firefighters, Police, St John, all on the ground and assisting. They have done an incredible job in difficult circumstances.’’

Whakata¯ne District Mayor Judy Turner said her heart went out to the injured, the missing and the deceased, and their families and wha¯ nau.

A Civil Defence centre opened yesterday at the Whakata¯ne Library to provide psycho-social support to those who needed it.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed White Island Tours, the tour company at the centre of the tragedy, won the title of New Zealand’s Safest Place to Work just over 12 months ago.

White Island Tours was awarded the title in the small business category in November 2018 after beating out 30 other finalists and 1200 entries.

Safety auditor, Integra/

AdventureMark, said White Island Tours had sufficient evacuation and risk management plans in place.

‘‘We have audited them since 2017 and have found them very professional.

‘‘They have only ever had minor non-conformities in their audits,’’ Integra managing director Hemi Morete said.

‘‘We have provided all relevant documentation to

WorkSafe and we are ready to answer all questions they might have.’’

Due to the investigation, Morete said he couldn’t go into details about White Island Tours.

But, he said the systems it had in place to ensure safety were up to industry standard.

‘‘Obviously, this is a tragedy. It is a very sad and tragic event, there’s no way around that. Whether anything could have stopped this, apart from not doing this activity in the first place, I guess that will come out in the investigation.’’

He said WorkSafe requirements meant all adventure companies had to have a plan in place to prevent injuries, and also to respond to emergencies.

White Island Tours was registered with WorkSafe as providing the activity of ‘‘walking on a live volcano’’.