A trial commenced Tuesday, examining the responsibility of tourism operators in the tragic 2019 White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand. An American honeymoon couple who suffered severe burns in the disaster are the first witnesses called to testify. The eruption claimed 22 lives and left many others with significant injuries.
Matt and Lauren Urey, from Richmond, Virginia, were among the 47 individuals present on White Island (also known by its Māori name, Whakaari) when the volcano erupted. They, along with other survivors like British helicopter pilot Brian de Pauw and Australian tourist Annie Lu, are key witnesses in the case. The trial, held in the Auckland District Court, targets six companies and their directors with health and safety violation charges.
The Ureys were passengers on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas, traveling from Australia when they visited the island. The eruption tragically resulted in the deaths of 14 Australians, five Americans, two New Zealanders, and one German national.
The trial comes amidst questions surrounding tourist access to the island, especially given the elevated volcanic alert level in the weeks preceding the eruption. Among the accused are the island's owners, Andrew, James, and Peter Buttle, directors of Whakaari Management Ltd. Three helicopter tour operators have already pleaded guilty to safety breaches and will not be part of the trial, which is expected to last 16 weeks.
The organizations involved face potential fines of up to NZ$1.5 million (approximately US$927,000), while individuals could be fined up to NZ$300,000 (US$185,000).
