10 Dec 2019

Whakaari / White Island eruption - day 2: As it happened

11:20 pm on 10 December 2019

Police say photos taken from Whakaari / White Island in the wake of yesterday's deadly explosion show six markings where it's believed some of the eight missing people lie.

Six people have been confirmed dead after yesterday's blast, but eight people are still unaccounted for.

Speaking at a media conference late this afternoon, deputy police commissioner John Tims said the surveillance photos of the island showed what is believed to be six bodies, which were covered in ash.

Mr Tims said everything possible was being done to recover the bodies.

While Mr Tims earlier said a criminal investigation would be launched into circumstances around the deadly eruption, police have now sent out a correction, saying it was "too early to confirm whether there will also be a criminal investigation".

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