The New Zealand police emphasize that after the volcano there is no hope that there will be survivors on the White Island. It has been reported that at least five people lost their lives and eight others are considered missing.
The deputy chief of police, John Tims, said that there is practically no one alive on the island.
When asked if the investigation will focus on tour operators, Tims said: "We will see if there is anyone who is criminally responsible for the deaths and injuries. It's still early days. So we'll just have to work through the evidence, talk to people and develop the investigation."
Police later corrected his statement, saying there would be a forensic investigation alongside a health and safety investigation, but that it was too early to say whether there would also be a criminal investigation.
It is reported that an American couple is among the seriously injured. Lauren Urey, 32, and her husband Matthew Urey, 36, were on the island on their honeymoon when the blast happened. They are in the hospital and it is reported that they have burns on 80% of their bodies.
Meanwhile, of the 31 hospitalized patients who are being treated for burns of various degrees, some are not expected to survive, because their condition is quite serious and their lungs have been damaged.
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