Five dead as Philippine volcano spews ash, rocks
Play
Manila - Four German tourists and a local guide were killed when a Philippine volcano ejected ash and rocks in a sudden explosion Tuesday, officials said.
Twelve people were injured by the eruption of Mount Mayon in Albay province, 350 kilometres south-east of Manila, one of the country's most active volcanoes, provincial governor Joey Salceda said.
"The four killed tourists were Germans, but their nationalities would have to be confirmed by the embassy," Salceda said by phone. "The fifth fatality was a Filipino guide." A total of 27 people were trekking on the volcano the explosion occurred, according to the Office of Civil Defence.
Salceda said seven of the injured had been rescued while five were still waiting to be evacuated.
The other hikers were from Austria, Thailand and Indonesia.//DPA
