Indonesia: 14 Dead From Biggest Volcanic Eruption of Mount Sinabung by Benson Agoha

* Mount Sinabung.

Today Reuters reports that Indonesia's Mount Sinabung volcano erupted and killed at least 14 people on the western island of Sumatra. It is the first time it is known to have claimed any lives, according to a senior government official said.

The volcano has becoming increasingly active in recent months, regularly spewing columns of ash several kilometers into the air. The government has evacuated tens of thousands of residents near the area," the report said.

Before updates were released, Andi Arief, a presidential staff member told reporters that "Eleven people were killed because of the eruption this morning and the number could increase. No evacuations could be made at this stage because of the potential for more eruptions."

Of the 14 dead, 4 schoolchildren were among and all were killed after they were engulfed in scorching ash clouds spat out by the erupting mounting. It its biggest eruption in recent days.

The following images may be disturbing as there are gory sights, but these are shots of the increasing casualties from the erutiption of Indonesian Mount Sinabung, today.

Though there has been constant eruptions in the past, no dead has been recorded. Naturally, people often tend to let down their guard, believing that it may never happen. Today's eruptions proves them wrong.

* Indonesia: A man runs for safety as Mount Sinabung erupts.

* A man lies dead, covered in volcanic ash.

* Rescuers attempt to save a man on bike.

* Twitter: @bensonagoha.

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* Image Credit: Sutanta Aditya / AFP - Getty Images

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