New Zealand volcano death toll jumps to 16 as search continues for victims

The number of victims killed after the volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island is now 16.

The unidentified person died on Saturday at Concord Hospital in Sydney, one of several locations where those caught up in the disaster are being treated.

Rescue teams continued searching for two more missing people on Sunday wearing protective clothing.

Their efforts were hampered due to toxic air and gases on the island after last Monday’s eruption which meant they were only able to search for 75 minutes.

Although they were unable to locate the bodies, police said the search would continue.

NZ police chief John Tims said authorities had always anticipated recovering all bodies.

He added: ‘We remain deeply committed to that goal, to allow families some closure. We are now debriefing, reassessing and coming up with a new plan going forward.’

Five victims have so far been named, four of whom are Australians.

They include Anthony Langford, 51, of Sydney. He was travelling with his wife Kristine Langford and their children Jesse, 19, and Winona, 17.

Jesse survived the eruption and was identified in a hospital on Tuesday evening. His mother and sister are still missing while two British women were rushed to hospital.

The 13 Australian burns victims have been sent to hospitals around the country for treatment. At least eight are in a critical condition.

The search was expected to resume on Sunday.