Five people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured or still missing after a volcano erupted near a group of tourists off the coast of New Zealand – as authorities struggle to reach trapped survivors due to dangerous conditions.
White Island, located 29 miles (48km) off New Zealand’s North Island, erupted around 2.11pm local time on Monday blowing huge plumes of smoke and debris 12,000ft (3,657m) into the sky. Â
A group of tourists were pictured deep inside the crater just moments before the blast, while others on a boat touring the island were forced to run for safety as thick, black smoked billowed towards them.
Police estimate atleast 50 people were on the island at the time of eruption. Eighteen survivors have so far been evacuated suffering injuries and five people are dead, leaving an estimated 27 still unaccounted for.Â
National Operation Commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims said the death toll is expected to rise.
