• Sudden volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono turns climbing trip into deadly disaster
• Guide says he was unaware of climbing ban or published official warnings

An Indonesian tour guide named Reza Selang, who was leading a group of hikers to the summit of Mount Dukono, has described the terrifying moments during a sudden volcanic eruption on Friday that killed three people.

Indonesian authorities confirmed the deaths of two Singaporeans and one Indonesian climber, while the rest of the group was safely evacuated.

Reza Selang said he narrowly escaped being struck by a large rock ejected from the crater, which landed beside him and immediately hit two hikers who were standing next to him.

He added that the local village workers who regularly assist him on climbing trips did not inform him of any official restrictions or bans, saying he was also unaware that authorities had issued warnings on social media and at trail entrances prohibiting the ascent.

He also said he had been contacted last year by a Singaporean expedition organizer to lead a mixed group of hikers from Singapore and Indonesia, and that the climb began normally with no signs of volcanic activity.

According to him, there was no smoke or unusual activity during the ascent, and nothing out of the ordinary was observed until the group reached the summit, where he used a drone to monitor the crater.

He explained that the eruption occurred suddenly, with two successive blasts—one releasing smoke only, followed shortly by a much stronger explosion that ejected a large volume of volcanic material.

At that moment, the hikers scattered and began rushing downhill, while Reza and several team members attempted to rescue a climber they found near the crater. However, a massive rock then struck them, killing them instantly.

Authorities are investigating the incident, with indications of possible negligence in following official safety warnings, while Reza continues to deal with shock and a deep sense of guilt over what happened.