Recovery workers are seen on the White Island of New Zealand last December. A volcanic eruption on the island has killed 22 people, leading to security breaches against tour operators.

Through the New Zealand Defense Force / Getty Images

Hide caption

Caption mark

Through the New Zealand Defense Force / Getty Images

Recovery workers are seen on the White Island of New Zealand last December. A volcanic eruption on the island has killed 22 people, leading to security breaches against tour operators.

Through the New Zealand Defense Force / Getty Images

The New Zealand government has registered a case in connection with a volcanic eruption that killed 22 people on the White Island last year. Operators who brought in tourists to see the country’s most active volcano said they had failed to comply with health and safety laws.

Authorities say 47 people were on the island when the volcano erupted on the morning of December 9. Ash, poison gas, and rocks were sent 12,000 feet into the sky. Rescuers searched for survivors, and rescue teams spent about two weeks searching for the victims.

Work Safe New Zealand, the country’s workplace safety agency, said the blast was unexpected but not unexpected.

“Those who went to the island did so with the legitimate hope that appropriate mechanisms were in place to make it healthier and safer,” said Phil Parks, chief executive of WorkSafe. Said in a statement Given Monday.

The explosion was a “hydroelectric explosion.” U.S. Geological Survey Is determined.

“For weeks before the eruption on December 9, 2019, the volcano was showing signs of unrest,” the USGS said. “Earthquake in October and Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) The gas emissions rate is at its highest level since 2016, which increases the risk of an explosion. “

Everyone on White Island suffered serious injuries and trauma that day, WorkSafe said. Survivors endured Large burns to the skin and lungs.

Work Safe Auckland District Court has indicted 13 parties – 10 organizations and three others. Nine groups were accused of failing to ensure the health and safety of workers and others, while another was accused of failing to control the workplace. Each of these charges carries a maximum fine of $ 1 million.

All three individuals face minor fines and are charged under a provision requiring “people who have significant influence over a company” in fulfilling their health and safety obligations.

WorkSafe did not name any of the parties, citing their right to have their names suppressed when they first appear in court.

White Island, also known as Mori, is a large submarine volcano that rises more than a thousand feet above the water of the Bay of Plenty. The island is about 30 miles off the northeast coast of New Zealand.

Who were on the island Nine Americans and 24 Australians were among those killed in the blast. Other visitors’ home countries are China, Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Work Occupational safety rates are not related to post-explosion response, such as rescue and rescue operations. WorkSafe says that part of the incident has not been investigated.

These activities could be the subject of other actions, such as the coronary inquest, ”the agency said.