Whakaari / White Island identification and coronial process

Following the deaths of six people in the Whakaari / White Island eruption on Monday and further monitoring of conditions on the island since the eruption, a significant operation to identify and return the deceased to their loved ones has begun.

The Chief Coroner has declared this to be a mass fatality incident.

Together with Police DVI experts, forensic pathologists, ESR and odontologists the Coroner’s office will proceed with identifying victims and releasing loved ones to families.