White Island trial: Sydney man Jesse Langford fronts court after losing parents and sister

Sydney man Jesse Langford has given heartbreaking evidence at a trial into New Zealand’s 2019 White Island volcanic eruption.

A Sydney man who lost his parents and sister during New Zealand’s 2019 White Island volcanic eruption has given a heartbreaking account at a trial into the tragedy.

Jesse Langford, 19, was touring White Island with his parents – Kristine, 45, and Anthony, 51, and younger sister Winona, 17, when the deadly eruption occurred.

His sister’s body was never found and is believed to have been swept out to sea after a massive storm hit the island not long after the eruption.

An evidential interview of Mr Langford, carried out months after the eruption, was played to the court on day four of the hearing into the tragedy that killed 22 people, including 17 Australians.

The island’s owners, brothers Andrew, James and Peter Buttle, their company Whakaari Management Ltd and tour operators ID Tours NZ Ltd and Tauranga Tourism Services Ltd are on trial for allegedly failing to adequately protect tourists and staff.

Anthony and Kristine Langford with children Winona and Jesse ahead of their ill fated trip to White Island. Picture: Facebook

Describing his ordeal, Mr Langford recalled how there was an “eerie feeling” at the island and it felt “uncomfortable to be there”.

He said within seconds he felt the ground shudder, a blast of intense heat hit his face and a surge of adrenaline pulse through his body.

“It took everyone off guard. The fact that everyone turned around and started taking photos, it wasn’t until as the explosions intensified and Hayden Marshall (a tour guide who later died) yelled to run and then everyone started screaming and running,” he said in the interview.

“I was trying to hold my breath for as long as I could … It was like a sand storm you see in the movies, you couldn’t see half a metre in front of you. I was in so much pain.

“I couldn‘t move … My back took the brunt of the force. Then the ash cleared and it was daytime again.”

Jesse Langford revisits the site of the tragedy where a plaque has been erected for his sister Winona whose body was never found. Picture: Instagram

Winona Langford. Picture: Supplied

After what felt like an eternity, the smoke dissipated slightly and Mr Langford stumbled back to where his shell-shocked parents and several others in their group were sitting on the ground.

Choking back tears, he recalled seeing his mother’s lifeless body and his father who told him he could barely breathe. His dad managed to make it to hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

“My mum wasn't moving at all,” he said.

“It still bothers me, making the decision to get up and walk away. It was a very difficult decision to make.

“I pretty much said my goodbyes as best as I could and got up and started walking.”

Anthony and Kristine Langford with their children Jesse and Winona. Picture: Supplied

Mr Langford also spoke about the alleged lack of safety equipment and advice given to them prior to the excursion on the island.

He said he wore a white tank top, black shorts and Nike shoes and other passengers also dressed down – some wore crop tops.

Mr Langford suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body and needed at least 18 surgeries, leaving him unable to attend the funerals of his parents and sister. Instead, he was forced to watch a livestream of the ceremony.

The trial continues.

Originally published as White Island trial: Sydney man Jesse Langford fronts court after losing parents and sister