New Zealand's most active volcano erupted on Monday killing at least nine people with many trapped on the popular tourist spot, White Island, as conditions were too dangerous for search-and-rescue teams.More than 100 are reportedly missing while many injured
No more survivors were expected to be rescued, authorities said.
"Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island," police said in a statement.
Plumes of white smoke and debris were shot high into the air, and video emerged of some visitors stuck in a crater before the blast. Search operations were put on hold until conditions became safe.
Dozens of tourists were exploring the moon-like surface when the eruption occurred.
Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said the number of missing was in the double digits but he couldn't confirm an exact figure.
Michael Schade, an engineering manager from San Francisco, was one of the tourists who made it off the island minutes before the eruption.
He posted dramatic footage of the blast from the boat he was on, with smoke first engulfing the top of the crater and then the entire island.
"This is so hard to believe," Schade said. "Our whole tour group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater not 30 minutes before."
Tags:
Volcano