RING OF FIRE DISASTER: Two dead, 10 injured as volcano erupts – rescue helicopter crashes

The volcano, known as Sileri Crater, on the main island of Javu erupted earlier today. 

Witnesses said cold lava, mud and ash spewed 50m into the air when the volcano erupted at 11.30am local time. 

It is thought 17 tourists were gathered near the volcano when it erupted.

A rescue helicopter sent to the scene crashed killing at least two crew members. Other members of the crew remain missing. 

Soldiers and police rushed to the scene to help the injured and evacuate the area in case of further eruptions. 

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said ten people are being treated in hospital. 

Billowing thick plumes of smoke engulfed the area with tourists and residents pictured fleeing the scene. 

The island is in the Pacific Ring of Fire with volcanoes in Indonesia among the most active in the region. 

Sileri is one of the most dangerous of the 10 craters at Dieng Plateau. 

It last erupted in 2009 creating three new craters and unleashing volcanic material up to 200m high. 

Tourists flock to the region to explore its ninth-century Hindu temples and landscape. 

More to follow…