Mount Dukono erupts: Three hikers 'creating online content' killed on Indonesia volcano

A volcanic eruption has killed three hikers "driven by the desire to create online content" after they defied safety warnings and attempted an ascent.

Two Singaporean men and an Indonesian woman died on Mount Dukono on the remote island of Halmaheraat in Indonesia, local police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said.

A party of around 20 hikers set out on Thursday to walk up the nearly 1,355m (4,445ft) volcano, which is one of Indonesia's most active, in contravention of safety advice.

But officials believe they became stranded in a restricted area when it erupted on Friday morning, sending a thick ash column around six miles (10km) into the sky.

The eruption was recorded on seismographs for more than 16 minutes, Indonesia's Geological Agency said.

Rescue teams responded to an emergency signal sent from the mountain area and managed to help 17 climbers back to safety, five of whom were reported injured.

But the bodies of those who died have not been recovered because continuing eruptions made it too dangerous for rescuers to reach them.

Speaking on TV, Mr Pasaribu said the group "were aware that climbing was prohibited as the mountain is a restricted zone due to its high alert status, but insisted on going ahead".

He said they ignored warnings on social media and signs at the site, because "many people remain determined to climb, driven by the desire to create online content".

The search and rescue operation, which was paused late on Friday when it became dark, will start again early on Saturday, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency.

Visitors have long been banned from the five-mile-wide danger zone around the volcano's crater for fear of volcanic explosions, ashfall and toxic gases.

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes and has been erupting almost continuously since 1933.

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Comprising more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity that is home to more than 120 active volcanoes.

Volcanic activity at Dukono remains high, and authorities said it was at the second-highest alert level.

There have been an average of about 95 eruptions a day there since late March, authorities said.

Lana Saria, who heads the Geological Agency, said Friday's eruption "was among the strongest during this period," warning that ash clouds ranging from white to gray and black in colour were being blown northward and could affect nearby settlements.

Officials urged visitors and locals alike to remain calm, follow official guidance, and avoid restricted areas.

(c) Sky News 2026: Mount Dukono erupts: Three hikers 'creating online content' killed on Indonesia volcano