Guide faces charges after 3 deaths on banned volcano tour

Khaosod•International•10d ago

Reader Briefing

An Indonesian mountain guide is facing charges for negligence leading to three deaths during a tour of Mount Dukono, a volcano under a climbing ban.

•A guide named Reza Selang is suspected of negligence after three people died during a Mount Dukono tour.
•The deaths occurred on May 8, 2026, after a volcanic eruption.
•Mount Dukono was under a climbing ban since April 17, 2026, due to increased volcanic activity, but the guide claimed ignorance of the order.

•On May 8, 2026, Mr. Reza Selang led a group of tourists including 9 Singaporeans up Mount Dukono.
•A major eruption of Mount Dukono occurred minutes after the climbing group reached the summit.
•The eruption resulted in the deaths of 3 individuals: 2 Singaporeans and 1 Indonesian.
•Local authorities had announced a prohibition on climbing Mount Dukono from April 17, 2026, due to increased volcanic activity.
•Mr. Selang is suspected for continuing the climb despite the prohibition and for not coordinating with the volcano observatory.
•Mount Dukono was at a Level 2 alert from a scale of 4.
•Police will continue investigations and submit the case file to prosecutors.
•Prosecutors will review the case file and decide whether to file charges, leading to a court date.

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Pol.Col. Erlichson Pasaribu

"Mr. Selang has not yet been detained, but his status may change depending on whether the suspect cooperates with the police."

นายเซลังยังไม่ถูกควบคุมตัว แต่สถานะของอาจเปลี่ยนได้ขึ้นอยู่กับว่าผู้ต้องสงสัยให้ความร่วมมือกับตำรวจหรือไม่

Reza Selang(นายเรซา เซลัง)

The tour guide suspected of negligence in the Mount Dukono fatal eruption incident.

Pol. Col. Erlichson Pasaribu(พล.ต.ต.เออร์ลิชสัน ปาซาริบู)

The police chief of North Halmahera who commented on the investigation into the Mount Dukono incident.

Mount Dukono(ภูเขาดูโคโน)ℹ️

An active volcano in North Maluku, Indonesia, where a fatal climbing incident occurred.

Halmahera Island(เกาะฮัลมาเฮรา)ℹ️

The island in North Maluku, Indonesia, where Mount Dukono is located.

North Maluku Province(จังหวัดมาลูกูเหนือ)ℹ️

The Indonesian province where Halmahera Island and Mount Dukono are situated.

Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation(ศูนย์วิทยาภูเขาไฟและการบรรเทาภัยพิบัติทางธรณีวิทยา)

The Indonesian government agency responsible for monitoring volcanoes and geological hazards.

Article 474 of the Indonesian Criminal Code(มาตรา 474 ของประมวลกฎหมายอาญาอินโดนีเซีย)

The Indonesian law under which the suspect Reza Selang may be charged, carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.