Three Killed In Indonesia Volcano Eruption

JAKARTA, May 8 (Bernama-dpa) -- Three people have been killed, including two from Singapore, after Mount Dukono erupted in eastern Indonesia on Friday, authorities said, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The Singaporean victims were among a group of hikers on the volcano in North Maluku province when it erupted on Friday morning, local police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said.

The National Disaster Management Agency said at least five climbers were injured in the eruption.

Erlichson said around 20 climbers were believed to still be stranded on the volcano after the eruption, with rescue teams searching for them.

Bambang Sugiono, head of the volcano's observation post, said hiking activities at Mount Dukono had been banned since April 17 because of increased volcanic activity.

He said officials suspected the climbers entered the restricted area without reporting to the observation post.

-- BERNAMA-dpa