One dead, many missing, after volcanic eruption on New Zealand island popular with tourists
At least one person has died and many are still unaccounted for after a volcano erupted on an island off the coast New Zealand Monday afternoon local time, sending a massive plume of white ash billowing into the sky over the popular tourist destination.
Fewer than 50 visitors were on or near White Island, which is also known as Whakaari, at the time of the eruption, and 23 people have been rescued so far, New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said a news conference. Among the people transported to shore, most had burn injuries, Tims said. He confirmed one fatality and added, “based on the information we have, there’s likely to be more.”
It is unclear exactly how many are still trapped as dangerous conditions have prevented police and rescue services from reaching the island, Tims said.
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