This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
On December 10, 2019, New Zealand police announced a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of at least 13 people after a volcanic eruption on White Island.
The eruption occurred on December 9, 2019, while tourists were exploring the volcano, which is located off the North Island coast.
Deputy Commissioner John Tims confirmed the investigation, stating, "I can confirm now that we will commence a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the death and injuries on White Island."
Police have confirmed that five people were killed and eight others were presumed dead after the eruption.
The investigation will run parallel to a probe conducted by Work Safety New Zealand, and Deputy Commissioner Tims did not specify the subject of the investigation or potential charges.
White Island Tours, the travel operator that took visitors to the island, stated that they took safety responsibilities extremely seriously and followed guidelines from the government geoscience agency GNS.
