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New Zealand files charges over White Island eruption deaths
WorkSafe NZ has filed charges against a number of organisations over the tragic White Island volcanic eruption which killed 22 people last year.
They include charges against 10 organisations and three individuals with maximum fines of up to $1.5 million if found guilty.
NZ government agencies GNS Science, which monitors volcanic activity, and the National Emergency Management Agency are among the defendants.
Volcanic Air helicopter tour company and White Island Tours confirmed they are facing charges.
WorkSafe NZ cannot name the companies charged under New Zealand law, but a first court date has been set for 15 December at Auckland District Court.
Three individuals were charged as directors or people with influence over health and safety, and are liable for a maximum fine of $300,000 if found guilty.
There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption, and many were guests from a visiting cruise ship.
The island has been closed to tours ever since.
The dead were tourists and tour guides while survivors had ‘serious injuries and trauma.’
"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," said Phil Parkes, CEO of WorkSafe NZ.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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