Up to 13 Feared Dead in Volcanic Eruption Off New Zealand

Up to 13 Feared Dead in Volcanic Eruption Off New Zealand
This aerial photo shows White Island after its volcanic eruption in New Zealand on Dec. 9, 2019. George Novak/New Zealand Herald via AP
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TAURANGA, New Zealand—A volcano off the New Zealand coast erupted Monday with a towering blast of ash and scalding steam as dozens of tourists were exploring its moon-like surface, killing five people and leaving eight others missing and feared dead, authorities said.

Helicopter crews landed on White Island despite the danger and helped evacuate the dozens of survivors, some of them critically injured.