New Zealand Police has confirmed the 18th fatality following the White Island eruption in December last year.
The toll comes to 18 as one patient died in an Australian hospital last night as a result of the injuries suffered in the Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruptions.
Police have not released the name of the deceased.
Of the total 18 fatalities, two died in Australia and 16 in New Zealand- two people are still unaccounted for namely, 40-year-old Marshall-Inman and 17-year-old Winona Langford.
Earlier on Sunday, December 22, Atlanta (USA) based Indian-American traveller was pronounced dead as she battled 70 per cent burns on her body inflicted due to the eruptions.
Mayuari 'Maya' Singh was admitted at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland and while her husband received 40 per cent burns and was being treated at the hospital.
More to come.