Tourists die in New Zealand volcano - 16th December 2019

Whakaari (White Island) is a volcano in New Zealand. It erupted on Monday 9th December. 47 tourists were on the volcano. 16 people died. Rescuers saved 23 tourists from the island. It was very dangerous.

Eight tourists were missing. 20 tourists are still in hospital. Two tourists died in hospital.

10,000 people visit the volcano every year. On 3 December, scientists said the volcano could erupt. But they said it was OK to visit.

Tourists' families were very upset. They asked the police to get the missing bodies back. This was very dangerous.

The volcano could erupt again. Eight special soldiers got the bodies on Friday morning.

Whakaari is a religious place for local Maori people. They helped get the bodies back. Maoris put a 'rahui' on the area. This stops people going near the area.

Special doctors are helping the tourists in hospital. They need 120 square metres of new skin.