Survivors of one of New Zealand’s worst natural disasters have described the searing pain of being lashed by burning sand, ash and rocks during a volcanic eruption on Whakaari or White Island in 2019 that killed 22 people
Their evidence was heard this week during a criminal trial brought by WorkSafe, the country’s health and safety regulator, against six parties, including three brothers who own the island, once a popular tourist destination 48 kilometers off New Zealand’s north island. Forty-seven people were on Whakaari, the island’s traditional Maori name, at the time of the blast, including honeymooners and families, who either died or suffered severe burns in the incident.
Matthew Urey said the sea was extremely rough during the small boat ride to the island, and many passengers became seasick. He said the tourists were told the volcano’s activity level was elevated, which meant they couldn’t go to some areas of the island. “They mentioned that we would have respirators for our comfort. That was all I remember them saying about the island while we’re on the boat,” he said.
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