A powerful eruption at Mount Dukono in Indonesia has turned deadly after three hikers were killed while climbing inside a restricted danger zone near the crater.
Massive Eruption Sends Ash 10 Kilometers Into the Sky
The eruption occurred on Halmahera Island and produced a massive ash plume rising approximately 10 kilometers into the atmosphere, according to local authorities and Indonesia’s volcanology agencies.
Officials said around 20 hikers were on the volcano’s slopes when the eruption suddenly intensified.
Hikers Caught Inside Prohibited Area
Authorities confirmed that the victims included two Singaporean hikers and one Indonesian national.
According to police, many of the hikers had entered an officially prohibited zone near the crater despite ongoing volcanic unrest and warnings from authorities.
Fifteen climbers managed to descend safely, while several others suffered minor injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.
Guide Warned of Unusual Activity Before Eruption
A local guide who was on the mountain described the volcano’s behavior as unusually quiet before the eruption — something he interpreted as a dangerous sign.
He said the volcano appeared to be building pressure beneath the crater before suddenly erupting with sustained explosions and volcanic rock ejecta.
According to the guide, this was one of the strongest eruptions he had ever witnessed at Mount Dukono.
Rescue Efforts Delayed by Continuing Eruptions
Recovery operations faced major difficulties due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Officials said conditions remained too dangerous for immediate evacuation of the victims, as eruptions continued hours after the initial blast.
Emergency teams are waiting for safer conditions before continuing search and recovery operations on the mountain.
Authorities Investigating Possible Violations
Police stated that the group’s guide and a porter may face investigation or possible criminal charges for leading hikers into the restricted zone.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation had previously warned tourists and climbers not to approach within four kilometers of the crater due to increased seismic activity.
Indonesia and the Ring of Fire
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active volcanic and seismic regions.
Mount Dukono is among the country’s most active volcanoes and frequently produces eruptions, ash emissions, and seismic unrest.
