New Zealand volcano suddenly erupts with dozens nearby, leaving at least one dead and ‘a number’ missing on White Island
One person has died and several others are injured after a volcano erupted in New Zealand with dozens of people sightseeing nearby.
White Island erupted with a huge plume of ash and steam on Monday.
Some 50 people were on the small island, in the Bay of Plenty, when it happened, police believe. White Island is also known as Whakaari, its Maori name.
Deputy commissioner John Tims said 23 people had been taken off the island, including some who were injured.
One Twitter user who posted video of the eruption said: “My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable.”
Footage shows people saying, “No, no, no” as they watch the growing ash cloud.
“This is so hard to believe. Our whole tour group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater not 30 minutes before. My thoughts with the families of those currently unaccounted for, the people recovering now, and especially the rescue workers,” Michael Schade added.
New Zealanders and foreign tourists are believed to be involved, police added. Australian media reports suggested a number of the missing are from that country.
Some were guests from the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Ovation of the Seas.
“A number of our guests were touring the island today,” the company said. “We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities. Please keep all those affected in your prayers.”
Mr Tims said it was too dangerous for emergency workers to get onto the island but added that they would return as soon as possible.
He said there had been no contact with those who remained missing on the island.
Police added in a statement: “There remain a number of people on the island who are unaccounted for.”
Mr Tims said the death toll was expected to rise.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Live: A number of people ‘unaccounted for’ after New Zealand volcano erupts
