As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was being briefed on the terrible toll likely on White Island after it erupted, newsrooms around the world began breaking into bulletins with the events unfolding in New Zealand.
Three eruptions took place, killing at least five and a further eight reported to still be missing.
READ MORE:
• White Island volcano erupts in Bay of Plenty: 5 dead, 8 missing, 31 in hospital
• Scientist: White Island eruption was 'basically instantaneous'
• White Island erupting: 'I can't think of anything worse' - Survivor on being abandoned on an erupting volcano
• White Island eruption: 'Emotional scenes' on stranded cruise ship
The Guardian reported how tourists became first responders to tend to the injured after the massive blast.
Michael Schade, who was visiting the island with his parents, said: "We were taking photos and videos and then it dawned on us what had happened.
