Update: Five confirmed dead as Aussies caught in deadly New Zealand eruption
Police in New Zealand said up to 23 people have been taken off the island and it’s “unclear” how many are still there, but the figure is in the double digits and could be up to 27 people.Deputy police commissioner John Tims confirmed tonight to reporters that five of the people rescued had died and the victims were of a “range of nationalities”.
He said most of the 23 people rescued from the island were suffering from burns and the remaining 18 all have injuries “to some degree”. “I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who have loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them police are doing everything they can.”Tony Bonne, the former mayor of Whakatane on the mainland bordering the Bay of Plenty, said people are feeling numb.
A number of those rescued have been taken to nearby Whakatane Hospital while at least two patients with critical injuries were transported to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland. A Royal Caribbean spokesman said: “We can confirm that a number of our guests were touring the island today. We do not have any additional details to share at this time.
“One helicopter with paramedics and St John medical director Dr Tony Smith on board spent a short time on the island assessing the scene,” a statement from the organisation read tonight.
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