Police in New Zealand say they've launched an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths and injuries of people who were caught up in a volcanic eruption on White Island.
On Tuesday night local time, police confirmed to local media that a sixth person had died following yesterday's eruption.
The individual passed away at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, where they were being treated for injuries.
Eight other people remain missing and are presumed dead.
The country's burns units are said to be "full to capacity" after dozens were injured in yesterday's eruption.
Officers initially said a criminal inquiry was being launched, but have now clarified it's too early to say whether one will be launched.
Police now say they're investigating the deaths on behalf of the coroner.
A health and safety investigation has also been opened by the country's workplace regulator.
47 people were on White Island - which is located off the coast of New Zealand's North Island - at the time of the eruption.
Over half of the visitors (24 people) were from Australia, along with others from China, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand, the UK and US.
However, it's not yet clear where those who were killed and injured are from.
Efforts are continuing to identify the victims - with police saying the process is complex due to the "severe" nature of the injuries.
Earlier today, Dr Peter Watson - clinical director at Counties Manukau District Health Board - said of the 31 people injured, 27 have sustained serious surface burns.
In comments quoted by the New Zealand Herald, he said: “It is possible that not all of the patients will survive. But at this stage everybody is receiving the care that they require."
He added: "All of our burns units full to capacity".
The patients require additional care to the inhalation of gas and ash, with medical staff said to be doing their "very utmost" to treat the survivors.
Recovery operation
Meanwhile, authorities say they're still working to determine conditions on White Island as part of their recovery operation.
Windy weather means they've so far been unable to deploy drones.
In a statement on Tuesday evening local time, police said: "We understand people’s desire to recover their loved ones and we are working around the clock to get onto the island so we can recover them as soon as possible.
"Based on the effects of the eruption on the bodies, this recovery will need to be handled with expert skill and care."
White Island is located around 50km off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, and is described as being the country's most active volcano.
The uninhabited island is popular with tourists, with tours of the inner crater being offered by local guides.
