HALMAHERA, INDONESIA — The defiant ascent of a group of hikers ended in tragedy early on Friday morning, May 8, 2026 when Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia's most volatile volcanoes, unleashed a massive explosive eruption. Authorities have confirmed that three climbers were killed after being caught in the immediate blast zone near the summit.

The disaster unfolded at approximately 7:41 AM local time on Friday, May 8, 2026. A group of about 20 climbers—including nine Singaporean nationals—had set out to reach the 1,335-meter summit the previous day. This trek was undertaken in direct violation of strict government bans that have prohibited all activity within a four-kilometer radius of the MalupangWarirang crater since mid-April.

The eruption sent a staggering column of volcanic ash 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. The North Halmahera Police Chief, ErlichsonPasaribu, stated that the hikers were aware of the prohibited status but "insisted on going ahead," likely driven by the pursuit of social media content.

The three victims have been identified as two Singaporean men and one Indonesian resident from Ternate island. Two of the Singaporeans have been named by local SAR teams as "Timo" and "Sahnas."

While the blast claimed three lives, search and rescue (SAR) teams successfully executed a perilous evacuation of 14 climbers, including seven foreign nationals who reached safety by Friday afternoon. At least five survivors are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during a frantic descent through suffocating ash fall and volcanic debris.

Although teams continue to scour the lower slopes for any remaining individuals, the recovery of those at the summit remains on hold due to lethal gas levels and persistent seismic activity.

Mount Dukono has been erupting almost continuously since 1933, but officials noted this particular blast was significantly more powerful than the usual activity. The Indonesian Geological Agency recorded the eruption for over 16 minutes, warning that "volcanic bombs"—large fragments of molten rock—were being ejected far beyond the crater rim.

"We have heard the warnings for months, yet people continue to risk their lives for a photo," said a local disaster agency spokesperson. The trekking route to Dukono has now been indefinitely sealed, with security checkpoints established to prevent further unauthorized attempts to climb the volcano.