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WELLINGTON-A New Zealand volcano erupted unexpectedly Tuesday night, spewing ash and rock into the air and leaving one man lucky to be alive after he was crushed by falling rocks, officials said. The sudden eruption at Mount Ruapehu, located halfway between Wellington and Auckland on New Zealand's North Island, caught out William Pike, a 22-year-old climber from Auckland who has had to have part of a leg amputated after rocks and debris crashed through the door of a mountainside hut.One of his climbing companions, James Christie, said they were staying in the hut about 700 metres (2,300 feet) from the crater, when they heard a "massive boom.""And then within a matter of seconds the doors were blown out completely until just the hinges were left and there was mud and rock and water pouring in and onto the floor until it was about a foot (30 centimetres) deep," he said.Pike was evacuated by ambulance and helicopter to hospital early Wednesday and his right leg was later amputated below the knee. Doctors said he was lucky to be alive after he had to be dug out from under the debris.About 60 skiers staying in chalets on the mountain were evacuated for a short time Tuesday night, although many were apparently unaware the eruption had occurred."We knew nothing about it, we didn't hear anything. We were completely oblivious," said Penny Brooking, who was staying in one of the chalets.The eruption briefly closed roads, suspended train services along the main line in the area and ski slopes on the mountain remained closed Wednesday, although no serious damage was reported.Vulcanologist Craig Miller said the eruption started at 8:23 pm (0823 GMT) Tuesday and lasted for seven minutes. "It was just straight out of the blue," he told Radio New Zealand.No further volcanic activity was reported Wednesday after the eruption, which was classified as small to moderate, but scientists warned further eruptions were possible.Department of Conservation vulcanologist Harry Keys described Mount Ruapehu as an extremely unpredictable volcano and further eruptions could happen over the next two or three days."The only way we can manage that risk is by saying to people don't go up to the crater for a few days," Keys said.Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the North Island at 2,797 metres, has been the most active mainland New Zealand volcano in recent years, with moderate eruptions in 1975, 1995, 1996 and a small eruption in October last year.
As in the days of Noah...
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