New Zealand volcano – Rescue helicopter lands on White Island after huge eruption hits tourist area

A DEADLY volcanic eruption in New Zealand is expected to claim the lives of up to a further 30 victims.

The majority of the wounded suffer horrific burns to over 70 per cent of their bodies, while many also suffered life-threatening ash inhalation.

The disaster yesterday has so far claimed the lives of six people.

A further eight people are still missing and feared dead as officials warn there are "no signs of life" left on the island.

And those who did manage to escape suffered horrific burns.

Dr Peter Watson, clinical director at Counties Manukau District Health Board, said of the 31 people injured, 27 were left with burns on more than 71 per cent of their bodies – when survival rates plummet.

New Zealander Geoff Hopkins, 50, was on the tour boat with his 22-year-old daughter, Lillani when they witnessed the horrific scene.

There were 23 people that had their lives in our hands

Lillani HopkinsWitness
Having returned to the boat early, he watched and helped the victims who were brought back along with his daughter.

The pair had been standing at the edge of the crater just 30 minutes before the eruption - and were luckily both trained in first aid.

At first they thought they were "lucky" to see the eruption up close, but say things took a "sinister" turn as visitors began running into the sea, desperately trying to escape and soothe their burns.

Lillani told Stuff: "There were 23 people that had their lives in our hands."

Geoff added: "One of the crew came [below deck] and said 'is anyone a doctor, is anyone a first aider, we need help'. The crew were in shock. They said 'we've got multiple burn victims and we need help'.

"I've never seen burns like it. It was horrific. The people just kept coming and coming."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by some survivors.

"The scale of this tragedy is devastating," Ardern said.

Ardern said tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the dead, missing and injured, along with New Zealanders. She has said there would be a government inquiry into the incident.

Read more
New Zealand volcano – Up to 30 victims so horrifically burned they’re not expected to survive White Island disaster:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10518975/new-zealand-volcano-victims-not-expected-survive-white-island-disaster/

New Zealand volcano – Tour operators could face manslaughter charges as White Island cops demand answers:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10520858/new-zealand-volcano-tour-operators-manslaughter-answers/

From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world.

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

Read The Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk
Like The Sun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesun/
Follow The Sun on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSun
Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/discover/The_Sun/1633225139

Видео New Zealand volcano – Rescue helicopter lands on White Island after huge eruption hits tourist area канала The Sun