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New Zealand Charges 13 in Volcanic Eruption that Killed 22, Injured Dozens

Reuters

   WELLINGTON - New Zealand's workplace regulator has filed charges
   against 13 parties following an investigation into a volcanic eruption
   on White Island in 2019thatkilled 22 people.

   A surprise eruption on the White Island, also known by its Maori name
   of Whakaari, on December9, 2019, killed 22 people and injured dozens.

   The majority ofthecasualtieswere tourists from countriessuch
   asAustralia, the United States and Malaysia who wereona cruise
   shipvacation,traveling around New Zealand. There were 47 people on the
   island when the volcano erupted.

   WorkSafe, New Zealand's primary regulator for workplace related
   incidents, saidata news conference its investigations found 13 parties
   had not met their health and safety obligations in taking the tourists
   to the White island.

   "This was an unexpected event, but that does not mean it was
   unforeseeable and there is a duty on operators to protect those in
   their care," WorkSafe Chief Executive Phil Parkessaid.

   WorkSafe charged 10 organizations under the Health and Safety at Work
   Act with each charge carrying a maximum fine of NZ$1.5 million ($1.06
   million).

   Three individuals were charged as directors or individuals who were
   required to exercise due diligence to ensure the company meets its
   health and safety obligations. These charges each carry a maximum fine
   of $300,000.

   WorkSafe did not name those chargedbecausethey may seek suppression
   orders in their first appearance in court December15.

   The agencydidnot investigate the rescue and recovery following the
   eruption,becausethat is the subject of a coronial inquestthatis
   underway.

   At the time of the eruption,questions were raisedaboutwhy people were
   allowed on the island, a popular destination for daytrips, given there
   was reportedly a heightened risk of an eruption.

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