Police confirm 6 dead in New Zealand volcano eruption

A sixth person is confirmed dead as rescue efforts have given way to a grim recovery operation two days after a volcano erupted at a popular tourism site in New Zealand.

Monday’s blast left 30 injured and eight missing and presumed dead. Burn units at local hospitals have been pushed to capacity, and calls are emerging to investigate the safety of tourism at New Zealand’s most active volcano.

New Zealand Police confirmed Tuesday that an injured victim taken from White Island, also known as Whakaari, died at a hospital in suburban Auckland that night, bringing the death toll to six.

Officials warned Tuesday night that positively identifying the deceased could take time owing to the “severe” nature of the injuries suffered.