New Zealand Officials charge 13 parties over tragedy

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –   New Zealand’s health and safety authorities have filed charges against 13 parties over last year’s deadly White Island disaster.

Some 22 people died when the country’s most active volcano suddenly erupted last December with tourists on it.

Ten parties now face charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act, which carries a maximum fine of NZ$1.5m ($1.06m; £0.79m).

A further three have been charged as directors or individuals.

These individuals, who have been accused of neglecting health and safety obligations, will face a maximum fine of NZ$300,000.

WorkSafe NZ said those charged could not be identified as they had a right to seek a suppression order on their names at a court appearance on 15 December.