The owners of the New Zealand volcano island exempted from the eruption that killed 22

The owners of a New Zealand volcano volcano that broke out in 2019, killing 22 local tourists and guides, had a conviction against them overturned by the country’s High Court, according to a BBC report. The decision graduated from the company, Whakaari Management, from eliminating millions of dollars to refund to the families of the victims and two dozen survivors who were seriously injured.

Whakaari management, led by James, Andrew and Peter Buttle – the three brothers holding the active volcano, were found guilty in a 2023 process for violating the health and safety law of the country, failing to keep visitors safe. They were fined just over 4.8 Crore ($ 560,000) and also ordered to pay 23 RS 23 Crore ($ 2.68 million) in the repair of victims.

However, following a appeal, the High Court, on Friday (February 28), decided that the company only owns the land and was not responsible for the safety of people. The judge of the High Court Simon Moore said that the company only licensed the tours in the agreement that gave him control over what is happening on the island everyday.

Moore justice added that, following his decision, he did not ignore the pain and pain of the families who were affected.

“It is impossible not to be deeply moved and affected by the scale and nature of human loss in this case,” he said.

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In particular, 47 people were on Whikaari, also known as the White Island, when it broke out in December 2019. It is considered the most active volcano in New Zealand and erupted in 2011 in a form. As for the fatal accident, the volcano showed signs of increased disorders.

James Cairney, a lawyer representing the three brothers, said the family welcomed the decision, adding that Butles hoped he would “bring certainty to all land owners who give others recreational access to their land.”

The Buttle family has owned the island since the 1930s, when their grandfather bought it and placed it in a family confidence. It is one of only a few private islands in New Zealand.