A judge in New Zealand threw out the criminal conviction of the owners of the island volcano where 22 tourists and guides died in an eruption in 2019. The ruling absolves the company, Whakaari Management, from paying millions of dollars in restitution to families of the victims. The case revolved around whether the company was responsible for the safety of visitors on the island under workplace health and safety laws. The judge ruled that the company only granted access to the land and did not manage or control the workplace, therefore they were not legally obligated to ensure safety practices. The ruling is significant for New Zealand’s adventure tourism industry, as it establishes that operators must inform customers of any serious risks involved in activities. Several entities pleaded guilty to charges related to the eruption, with some being ordered to pay restitution to victims. The judge acknowledged the tragedy of the event but based the ruling on legal interpretations and factual circumstances rather than emotional considerations. The case highlighted the need for clarity in determining responsibility for safety in workplace environments to prevent future tragedies.
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