Wellington: A Perth couple have been injured after falling into a geothermal sinkhole containing hot water which opened up on a footpath in New Zealand.
One person was transferred to Waikato Hospital in a serious but stable condition after the incident at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village.
The sinkhole opened up on a footpath. Credit:Aukaha News
The second person involved in the fall was also treated, but not admitted to hospital.
The village has been temporarily closed to visitors while an investigation takes place.
St John paramedics were called to the village on Tryon St just after 2pm on Thursday, a spokesperson said.
Village spokesperson Mike Gibbons said he understood the people injured were a couple from Perth in Western Australia who were walking along a footpath near the entrance to the village.
Gibbons said the village would be temporarily closed to visitors until a “full investigation and assessment had been undertaken by the appropriate authorities, including WorkSafe and the Rotorua Lakes Council”.
He said WorkSafe and a council maintenance team were at the location to carry out an initial inspection.
“The area surrounding the fumarole, which is estimated to be 2 metres long by 1 metre wide and up to 1 metre deep … has been closed off to the public, pending the WorkSafe assessment.
“It appears the ground may have been compromised following the recent heavy rainfall.”
Gibbons said their first priority was to offer support to the visiting family and he was hoping to get an update on their medical situation later today.
He also acknowledged the efforts of his team who were first responders at the scene.
In a statement, Rotorua Lakes Council said it was notified of the incident just before 2.15pm on Thursday, and staff were immediately dispatched to make it safe.
“The area around the hole remains cordoned off and the road is closed, with signage in place,” the statement said.
“Work to fix the road will start as soon as possible and other roads in the village will be checked as a precaution.
“Council will stay in touch with its contacts in the village to keep residents updated on progress.”
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