Deadly Eruption Hits Mount Dukono During Hiking Trip
At least three hikers lost their lives after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday morning in Indonesia. The volcano sent a huge column of ash nearly 10 kilometers into the sky, creating panic among hikers and nearby residents.
The victims were part of a group of 20 hikers from Singapore and Indonesia who were climbing the volcano despite safety restrictions issued by local authorities. Rescue teams later evacuated the remaining members of the group and shifted them to nearby hospitals for treatment and medical checks.
Officials confirmed that two Singaporean men, aged 27 and 30, died in the incident along with a local woman from Ternate. Rescue workers have not yet recovered the bodies because continuous eruptions and dangerous terrain are slowing the operation.
Rescue Operation Faces Major Challenges
Local police and rescue teams said strong volcanic blasts and falling ash have made it difficult to reach the crater area where the victims are believed to be located. Authorities temporarily stopped the recovery mission after nightfall and plan to continue the search on Saturday morning.
Two porters from the hiking group stayed behind on the mountain to support rescue workers during the operation. Witnesses near the volcano reported that Mount Dukono continued releasing hot ash and volcanic material throughout Friday afternoon.
A local resident helping rescuers said ash clouds and rocks were still coming out from the crater area for several hours after the eruption. Officials remain concerned because the volcano has shown continuous activity in recent months.
Authorities Had Already Warned Hikers
Indonesian authorities had repeatedly warned people not to climb Mount Dukono because of increased volcanic activity. The volcano has erupted more than 200 times since March last year, making it one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
One hiking guide present during the eruption said pressure inside the volcano had likely been building for several days. He described Friday’s eruption as extremely powerful and dangerous.
Eyewitnesses also reported that several other hikers were on the mountain when the eruption happened. Officials are now investigating how visitors managed to enter the restricted area despite safety warnings.
Indonesia’s Volcano Risks Remain High
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes, and authorities regularly monitor volcanic activity to reduce risks for local communities and tourists.
The latest Mount Dukono tragedy highlights the dangers of ignoring official safety warnings near active volcanoes. Rescue operations are expected to continue until all victims are recovered from the mountain.
