Whakaari eruption survivor provides account during coronial inquest

Thursday 9 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 9 Oct 2025, 9:22pm

A video of Jesse Langford describing the Whakaari White Island eruption was played in a coroner's court. Langford, who suffered burns to most of his body, detailed being hit by rocks and steam during the disaster. The eruption resulted in 22 deaths and 25 injuries.

How they headlined it

7:29pm9:22pm

1. RNZThu 9 Oct 2025, 7:29pm

   Whakaari eruption survivor recalls extreme pain while being hit by steam, rocks (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZThu 9 Oct 2025, 7:32pm

   Whakaari eruption survivor recalls being hit by steam, rocks (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesThu 9 Oct 2025, 9:22pm

   Whakaari eruption survivor recalls horror (opens in new tab)