A number of tourists were left behind on erupting Whakaari White Island this afternoon, and dangerous conditions are preventing emergency services from returning to find them.
The offshore volcano started erupting just after two o'clock when up to fifty tourists were on sight-seeing tours walking around the island. The five people who have died were among the 23 people brought ashore.
Karyn Hay speaks with Jessie Chiang from RNZ News is in Whakatane where the injured were brought ashore.
The White Island Tour operators rescue people from the island, just after the eruption. Photo: Supplied / Michael Schade
