Whakaari/White Island volcanic explosion

[Fishnut]

Health and safety investigations into the eruption are being completed and fines are starting to be announced. One company that's been fined is Volcanic Air, who went in to rescue survivors when no-one else would. It's not gone down well with the public.

[bjn]

The implication in that article is that the helicopter company was fined for behaviours before the eruption, not for the rescue flights.

[Fishnut]

The implication in that article is that the helicopter company was fined for behaviours before the eruption, not for the rescue flights.

That's the impression I got too, though it was hidden in a lot of "they're great guys" narrative, and I wasn't sure of my interpretation so resisted editorialising. I don't think it would be fair to draw conclusions without seeing the report (if it's made public) but I thought it worth sharing the article as part of this ongoing story if nothing else.

[Fishnut]

One of the survivors has been sharing photos of her recovery. Stephanie Browitt was on the island with her dad and sister, celebrating her sister's birthday, while her mum stayed on the cruise ship. Neither her dad or sister survived. The injuries she sustained are extensive (burns to 70% of her body), it's quite amazing that she's still alive and it looks like there's still a long way to go before she's fully recovered physically.

[shpalman]

A company in New Zealand has been found guilty of not "minimising risk" to 22 people who died in the 2019 White Island volcano disaster.