A volcano erupted in New Zealand, spewing a plume of ash thousands of metres into the air and killing at least five people. An unknown number were trapped as conditions for search-and-rescue teams were too dangerous.

An estimated 50 people were in the vicinity when the eruption began at about 2pm (01:00 GMT) on White Island, about 50km (30 miles) from the east coast of North Island.

The island’s immediate surroundings were hazardous because of the eruption with volcanic debris, gas, and ash heavy in the air, the National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement.