Mount Dukono eruption sees 3 dead after hunt for 20 missing hikers who ignored ban

Mount Dukono spewed ash as high as 10km into the sky as a group of 20 hikers – nine foreigners and 11 locals – entered the volcano despite an existing climbing ban

Three individuals have sadly died after several trekkers disappeared when a volcano exploded in Indonesia this morning (May 8).

Mount Dukono hurled ash as high as 10km into the atmosphere while a party of hikers were out discovering the scenic location. The hikers climbed the area despite a ban currently being in place.

A total of 15 individuals were rescued from the 1,335m-high peak, while two guides from the trekking party remained behind to assist emergency teams in recovering the remains of the three fatalities, local police commander Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed.

Mount Dukono has blown nearly 200 times since late March, according to the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia.

The location is presently marked as a Level Two under the organisation’s three-tier volcanic warning system, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the requirement for vigilance, reports the Mirror.

Pasaribu revealed the party of 20 trekkers – comprising nine foreigners and 11 locals – accessed Mount Dukono despite a current climbing prohibition.

The remains of the three victims continue to lie at higher altitudes, with ongoing explosions and challenging conditions hindering recovery operations.

Authorities state advisories had been extensively circulated via social media and notices at path entrances.

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