At least six people have been confirmed dead after a sudden volcanic eruption rocked a small island off the coast of New Zealand while the eight people still missing are presumed to have died amid the onslaught of gas and scalding ash.

It is believed that 47 people were visiting White Island at the time of the blast just after 2 p.m. on Monday, according to authorities. Five people died at the time of the eruption and a sixth person taken for treatment to an Auckland hospital succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday.

Another eight people still missing are now presumed dead, though their bodies will remain on the island until authorities deem it safe for rescue crews.