White Island Volcano Tragedy: Trial Begins for Bosses Over 2019 Deadly Eruption
A gripping trial has kicked off in New Zealand, targeting three bosses of the firm running White Island, where a catastrophic volcanic explosion in 2019 killed 22 tourists and left many seriously injured. Prosecutors slam the company for failing to prepare and warn visitors about the deadly risks.
White Island’s Deadly Blast: What Went Wrong?
White Island, or Whakaari in Māori, sits 30 miles off New Zealand’s North Island. At the eruption, 47 people were on the island — mostly tourists from Australia, Malaysia, and the US.
Prosecutor Kristy McDonald described the blast as a huge explosion that hurled scalding ash, poisonous volcanic debris, and rocks over the crater floor like a deadly storm. The company behind it, Whakaari Management Limited (WML), is owned and run by brothers Andrew, James, and Peter Buttle. They, along with two other tour firms, face health and safety breach charges. All deny wrongdoing.
Prosecution: Bosses Ignored Danger Signs
McDonald said the Buttles knew the volcano could erupt suddenly and violently. “They had an obligation to understand the risks but ignored them,” she told Auckland District Court. Prosecutors argue WML failed to consult experts who knew the dangers.
Before the disaster, the Buttles reportedly raked in around NZ$1 million (about £460,000) a year from tourists. If found guilty, those involved could be slapped with fines up to NZ$1.5 million (£690,000). Luckily for the accused, jail time isn’t on the table.
Long Road Ahead: Trial to Last Months
The judge-led trial is set to run for 16 weeks. Multiple victims of the eruption will give evidence. Meanwhile, six other companies, including the boat operator that ferried 21 of the victims and helicopter firms, have already pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches.
Last May, New Zealand’s emergency management agency was cleared of similar charges, despite criticism from government watchdog WorkSafe for failing to warn about eruption risks. Since 2019, no boat or aircraft tours have been allowed on White Island.
