WELLINGTON: The sentencing proceedings commenced on Monday for the tour agents and managers responsible for the tragic volcanic eruption on White Island, also known as Whakaari, in New Zealand in 2019, which claimed the lives of 22 individuals, primarily tourists. The prosecutor cautioned that those being sentenced might not have the means to pay fines.
On December 9, 2019, White Island, situated approximately 50 km offshore from Whakatane on the east coast of North Island, experienced a volcanic eruption while 47 individuals were present on the island. The survivors suffered severe burns from the intense gas and ash, while most of the deceased were tourists hailing from countries such as Australia, the US, and Malaysia.
New Zealand Starts Sentencing People Involved in Island Volcanic Eruption
The tour operators, including White Island Tours, Volcanic Air Safaris, Kahu New Zealand, and Aerius, along with the island’s corporate owner, Whakaari Management Limited, face sentencing for at least one criminal charge related to their failure to adequately ensure the safety of both workers and visitors.
Each charge carries a maximum fine of NZ$1.5 million ($924,750.00). Despite the severity of the incident and the immeasurable loss, some of those facing sentencing have expressed an inability to meet financial penalties.
Kirsty McDonald, representing workplace regulator Worksafe, emphasized the profound impact of the eruption, stating that the damage inflicted was beyond measure, resulting in catastrophic loss of life. White Island, previously a popular tourist destination, is now closed to visitors due to safety concerns.
Victims and their families, some of whom have traveled from overseas, will present statements detailing the repercussions of the eruption on their lives. Sentences and reparation payments, expected later this week or the following, will be determined by the judge.
