White Island eruption: Bay of Plenty warned of ashfall

A massive rescue operation is underway following an eruption on White Island in the Bay of Plenty at 2:11pm on Wednesday. Initially it was believed 100 people were on or around the island at the time, but police now say it was around 50. At least 20 have been injured, seven of them are believed to be critical. Police are due to hold a press conference. St John’s Director of Operations Norma Lane has confirmed to Checkpoint that some patients are critical and have burns. Carmen Tressider is the presi