Billionaire defies ban to dance by life-threatening volcano

By Sunna Karen Sigurþórsdóttir 8. október 2014 15:40

A screenshot from the video. photo/instagram/auðunn

Goga Ashkenazi, a billionaire from Kazakhstan, published a video of herself on Instagram along with a group of people by the Holuhraun eruption on Sunday. The video shows them walking about and dancing only a few meters from the lava, much closer than people are allowed to be. She has now deleted the video.

One photo that Ashkenazi published shows that they were using a chartered helicopter from Reykjavík Helicopters. The owners of Reykjavík Helicopters have stated that they're investigating the matter internally and that the responsibility falls completely upon the helicopter pilot.

Ashkenazi is known worldwide and is involved in various businesses, she inherited a large oil wealth and is a board member at the Vionnet fashion chain.

Reykjavík Helicopters has been selling helicopter trips over the volcano area to great success. They're not for everyone, as a trip for one costs 230 thousand kronur.

Area is very dangerous

"There's a reason for the travel ban, the area is very dangerous, it's outrageous that anyone would do this," states Víðir Reynisson at Civil Protection.

"Gas emissions by the fissure has been measuring 130 thousand micrograms per cubic inch, which is borderline lethal doses. By comparison we've seen measurement from towns that are downwind from the plume reach 6000 micrograms," he adds.

A travel ban is still in effect and gas emissions from the volcano are at dangerous levels. Then there's the risk of steam explosions, sub-glacial eruptions, floodings and ashfall.

Police are investigating

This is not the first time that tourists have trespassed in the area, and many are facing police charges. The fines can run into several hundred thousand kronur.

The Húsavík Police department is investigating the matter and they claim that it is sadly the only case of its kind, another similar case is also under investigation.

"We're aware of the video and are investigation," states Police Sergeant Brynjólfur Sigurðsson of the Húsavík police.

Rescue operation would be difficult

"We've had cases of trespassers in the area. But any rescue operation we'd have to launch in the area would be difficult. The area is so remote and the area so dangerous, there's a lot that needs to be considered and prepared for," Brynjólfur adds.

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