Prime Minister Scott Morrison says 11 Australians are unaccounted for and he fears there is “worse news to come” after New Zealand’s White Island volcano erupted, killing five people and injuring 31 while eight more are still unaccounted for.
PM Morrison said on Tuesday:
“Yesterday there were 24 Australians enjoying a wonderful cruise in New Zealand, taking in those sights together.
“They were aged between 17 and 72 and they took the option of a tour to White Island.
“We can confirm it has taken at least five lives.
“Of the 24 Australians, 13 of those are hospitalised. There are 11 Australians that are still unaccounted for.
“I fear there is worse news to come, this is a terrible tragedy.”
My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for first time since 2001. My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable. #whiteisland pic.twitter.com/QJwWi12Tvt
— Michael Schade (@sch) December 9, 2019
BREAKING: Five people are dead and at least 10 are missing after the volcano eruption on New Zealand's White Island. https://t.co/sZ00Qfl1Dk pic.twitter.com/rK7chipesA
— CNN (@CNN) December 9, 2019
