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This image released by GNS Science, shows plumes of smoke from a volcanic eruption on White Island, seen from Whakatane, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. A volcano erupted Monday on a small New Zealand island frequented by tourists, and a number of people were missing and injured after the eruption. (GNS Science via AP)

New Zealand volcano eruption leaves at least five dead after tourists seen in crater caught up in explosion

Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said 23 people had been taken from White Island in the country's Bay of Plenty, some of whom are injured

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At least five people have died and more fatalities are likely after a volcano erupted on a small New Zealand island, police said.

Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said 23 people had been taken from White Island in the country's Bay of Plenty, some of whom are injured.

He was unclear about the number who remained and were unaccounted for but said the total number of people on the island when it erupted was fewer than 50.

Visitors walking inside the crater were believed to have been caught up in the explosion.

The island, a favourite of tourists, erupted with a large plume of ash and steam Monday.

New Zealanders and foreign tourists are believed to be involved, police added.

Mr Tims said it was too dangerous for police and rescue services to travel to the island but they wanted to urgently get back as quickly as they could.

He said there had been no contact with those who remained missing on the island.

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In this image released by GeoNet, tourists can be seen near the volcano's crater Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, on White Island, New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says about 100 tourists were on or near White Island when the volcano erupted and some of them are missing. (GNS Science via AP)

"There remain a number of people on the island who are unaccounted for,"  a statement from police said.

Royal Caribbean International said guests from its cruise ship Ovation of the Seas had been visiting White Island.

"A number of our guests were touring the island today," the company said.

"We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities. Please keep all those affected in your prayers."

The company statement said the ship would remain there overnight until it learned more on the situation.

"My god," wrote Michael Schade on Twitter as he posted video of the eruption.

"My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable."

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In this image released by GeoNet, tourists can be seen on a trail near the volcano's crater Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, on White Island, New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says about 100 tourists were on or near White Island when the volcano erupted and some of them are missing. (GeoNet via AP)

His video showed a wall of ash and steam around the island and helicopters badly damaged and covered in ash.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said people who were injured in the eruption were being transported to shore.

She said the incident appeared to be "very significant".

"All our thoughts are with those affected," she said.