A trial has commenced in New Zealand for three bosses of the company managing the White Island volcano, following a devastating eruption in 2019 that claimed the lives of 22 tourists and caused severe injuries to numerous others. Prosecutors are alleging that the company failed to adequately prepare and warn visitors about the potential dangers associated with visiting the site.
White Island, known as Whakaari in Maori, is situated approximately 50km (30 miles) off the east coast of North Island. At the time of the eruption, there were 47 individuals on the island, primarily tourists hailing from countries including Australia, Malaysia, and the United States.
During the trial at Auckland District Court, prosecution lawyer Kristy McDonald described the eruption as a massive explosion that unleashed burning hot ash, scalding sea, poisonous volcanic ashes, and rocks across the crater floor. The three brothers, Andrew, James, and Peter Buttle, who own and manage White Island through their company Whakaari Management Limited (WML), along with two other tour-related companies, are facing charges of breaching health and safety regulations leading up to the disaster. All parties involved have denied any wrongdoing.
McDonald asserted that the Buttles were aware of the volcano’s potential to erupt without warning. She argued that as the owners of the company, WML had an obligation to understand the risks associated with the site, but neglected to do so. McDonald also claimed that they failed to consult adequately with those who possessed knowledge of the risks. According to McDonald, the Buttles had been earning around 1 million New Zealand dollars ($620,000) annually from tourists prior to the tragedy.
While the charges do not carry the possibility of imprisonment, those found guilty could face fines of up to 1.5 million New Zealand dollars ($930,000). The criminal trial is anticipated to last for several weeks. Defence attorneys have contended that their clients should not be held responsible for the safety of individuals on the island, as that duty lies with others.
The trial, overseen by a judge, is scheduled to span 16 weeks, during which several victims of the eruption will provide testimony. Six additional companies, including the boat operator that transported 21 of the deceased to the island and helicopter tour organizers, have already pleaded guilty to health and safety charges.
Last year in May, a judge cleared New Zealand’s emergency management agency of health and safety breaches. The agency, accused by government body WorkSafe of failing to effectively communicate the risks of an eruption to landowners and the public, successfully argued that the charge was unfounded. Since the 2019 eruption, no boat or aircraft tours have been permitted to land on White Island.
