A New Zealand court has ordered tourism agencies and managers of an island where a volcanic eruption in 2019 killed 22 people to pay victims 5.6 million euros in damages. Among the 25 survivors of the spectacular eruption, many suffered very serious burns.
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Travel agencies White Island Tours, Volcanic Air Safaris, Kahu New Zealand and Aerius, as well as the company that owns the island, Whakaari Management Ltd, failed to sufficiently ensure the safety of visitors to the island, documents show. filed in court. The GNS Science institute, which monitors New Zealand volcanoes, was also fined.
Video footage played in court showed people trying to flee a huge cloud of volcanic ash, which quickly engulfed them. Some people say they were not warned in advance of the dangers they faced. “ The safety information provided by travel companies to their customers was grossly inadequate, failing to adequately inform customers about the dangers, risks and consequences of an eruption said the Auckland District Court judge.
“ Physically, mentally and emotionally » traumatized
The damage is a symbolic recognition » of the victims’ suffering, according to the judge. The tour group was “ physically, mentally and emotionally » traumatized by the eruption, he stressed, and many of them still bear the physical scars. Many survivors were severely burned by the burning gas and ash.
The companies were condemned for failings in the assessment and management of the risks posed by the volcano, noted the judge. Since the eruption, no boat or plane tours have been allowed access to the island.
This decision helps set a precedent for the future of tourist safety regulations in New Zealand and, potentially, around the world.