NZ Volcano's Death Toll Rises to 6 and 25 in Critical Condition

Published December 11th, 2019 - 07:34 GMT
Steam rises from the White Island volcano following the December 9 volcanic eruption, in Whakatane on December 11, 2019.  (AFP/ File Photo)
Steam rises from the White Island volcano following the December 9 volcanic eruption, in Whakatane on December 11, 2019. (AFP/ File Photo)
Highlights
Police say 25 of the 30 wounded still in critical condition, eight people still missing

The death toll from the eruption of New Zealand’s White Island (Whakaari) volcano has risen to six after one of the 31 people who were hospitalized for wounds and burns died from their injuries, police said Wednesday.

Police said 25 of the 30 wounded were still in critical condition following the eruption Monday afternoon.

They did not disclose the identity of the person who died at Middlemore Hospital.

Police confirmed that eight people were still missing and there were no further signs of life on the island.


They added that the victims were tourists from Australia, the U.K., China, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia and the U.S.

The eruption began at 2.30 p.m. local time (1330GMT).

The police previously said there were fewer than 50 people on or near the island at the time.

The authorities advised residents in the region to remain in their homes and close their windows.

The volcano last erupted in 2001.

This article has been adapted from its original source.

 

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content