Trial Commences for White Island Volcano Tragedy in New Zealand

The trial has begun for tour operators accused of safety failures leading up to the deadly White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand in December 2019, which claimed the lives of 22 people. The eruption was not unforeseeable, according to workplace regulators, and six parties face fines if found guilty. Thirteen parties were initially charged with exposing people to risk of harm, and some have already pleaded guilty. The trial is expected to last four months.