Kelsey Waghorn: White Island volcano survivor’s gruesome injuries revealed – as she relives the moment the world erupted in a deadly fireball, killing 22 around her and maiming 25 more

Kelsey Waghorn: White Island Eruption Survivor Shares Hair-Raising Tale of Catastrophe

On the day of the eruption, the island’s central area was dotted with streams that carved paths toward Crater Bay. We’d stop there often, as it served as a safe spot to regroup after our hikes, and to chat about the water’s flavor. The two streams had distinct profiles—one rich with metallic notes, the other sharp and tangy.

While explaining the water’s characteristics to the group, Kelsey noticed a shift in the atmosphere. Suddenly, the crowd erupted in chatter and gestures, all pointing toward the same direction. In an instant, she realized the chaos: the island was awakening. Her account of the event would later become the foundation of her book, *Surviving White Island*, published in April 2020.

The Eruption and Immediate Chaos

The eruption struck on December 9, 2019, during a tour led by Kelsey, a 25-year-old guide. As the island’s surface cracked, a towering plume of dark smoke and ash rose, surpassing the peak of the volcano. Against the backdrop of a clear sky, the scene was both striking and ominous.

“I heard someone say, ‘Wow!’ and another exclaim, ‘Look at that!'”

There was no dramatic warning—no rumbling, no hissing, no thunderous boom. The only sounds were the crackling of radios shouting, “ERUPTION! TAKE COVER!” and Kelsey’s own cries, “Everyone, with me! Run!” Her safety training kicked in, propelling her toward cover as the group scattered in all directions.

A Terrifying Escape

As the plume collapsed, a surge of superheated gas and volcanic debris swept across the ground like a living entity. This pyroclastic wave, a fast-moving killer, threatened to engulf everything in its path. Kelsey’s exposed arms burned as if immersed in fire, a sensation she vividly describes in her book.

While some fled to the left, others joined her behind a rocky outcrop. Jake, a fellow guide, sprinted to her side, his voice trembling as he called her name. “It’s going to be okay,” she told him, though time felt suspended, stretching each second into an eternity.

Aftermath and Recovery

The disaster claimed 22 lives and left 25 others with severe injuries. Two bodies were never found, adding a haunting element to the survivors’ story. Aerial images from the event show military personnel combing the area to retrieve victims, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.

Despite the horror, Kelsey’s resilience shone through. Her right elbow remained unscathed because she shielded her face as the surge approached. As the group retreated to safety, the reality of the situation settled in—a moment she would forever remember as the world exploding around her.