Mount Dukono volcano in Indonesia erupted early Friday morning local time, killing three hikers who had entered a restricted area, according to local police.
Authorities said about 20 climbers, including nine foreign tourists, were in a prohibited zone on the volcano at the time of the eruption. The group was reportedly on the mountain despite warnings and access restrictions in place due to heightened volcanic activity.
Officials confirmed the victims include two Indonesian nationals and one foreign tourist. Their identities have not yet been released as authorities notify families and continue recovery efforts.
The regional volcanology center had issued a Level 2 alert prior to the eruption, indicating increased activity and potential volcanic hazards at Mount Dukono. Despite the warning, officials said hikers still entered the restricted area.
The eruption sent a massive ash plume more than six miles into the sky, disrupting visibility in surrounding areas and prompting further monitoring of the volcano.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tectonic activity. Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera Island between the Philippines and Australia, has been in near-continuous eruption since 1933, according to volcanology records.
Authorities are continuing to assess conditions around the volcano and reviewing how the group was able to access the restricted zone during elevated alert status.
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