Tour operators accused of safety failures leading up to the White Island volcano disaster are facing a landmark trial in New Zealand. The eruption, which occurred on 9 December 2019, claimed the lives of 22 people and left many injured. Now, six parties involved in organizing tours to the volcano could face fines of up to NZ$1.5m if found guilty.
WorkSafe NZ, the nation’s main health and safety regulator, conducted an extensive investigation into the incident. The investigation revealed that the eruption was not unforeseeable, as the volcano had been showing signs of unrest for weeks. However, the tour operators were unprepared for the disaster.
Thirteen parties were initially charged in December 2020 with exposing people to the risk of harm under the health and safety act. The charges included allegations of failing to assess and mitigate risks, adequately informing tourists of the dangers, and providing protective equipment. However, one tour operator had their case dropped, and six others pleaded guilty before the trial began.
White Island Tours, responsible for the safety of all but one of those killed, has admitted to the charges. However, six defendants, including members of the Buttle family who have owned White Island since 1936, remain. Peter, James, and Andrew Buttle, the three brothers who inherited the island, have been charged in their roles as directors of Whakaari Management, the company responsible for granting licenses to tour operators.
As the trial begins, evidence from both sides will be presented over the course of four months. This trial marks a significant moment in holding tour operators accountable for ensuring the safety of tourists. The tragedy on White Island has had a lasting impact, as tourists have not returned since the eruption. Once a popular sightseeing destination, the volcano had been erupting since 2011 and was rated at Volcanic Alert Level 2 at the time of the disaster, indicating “moderate to heightened volcanic unrest.”