Mount Semeru volcano eruption spews ash cloud 50,000ft into the sky as dozens burned and thousands flee their homes

ONE person has died and dozens are injured after a volcano erupted in Indonesia, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Smoke and ash were sent spewing 50,000ft in the air from Mount Semeru in the Lumajang district of East Java on Saturday afternoon. RexHorrifying images show the plume of smoke from Mount Semeru descending on locals[/caption] ReutersThunderstorms followed the afternoon eruption, further hampering evacuation efforts[/caption] Terrified locals ran for their lives as the dark cloud of smoke engulfed the skies at around 2.30pm local time – blacking out the sun in two regions. Officials confirmed that 41 people had suffered burns after the eruption, while thousands of residents have been evacuated. But the efforts of emergency responders have been hampered by the suffocating cloud of smoke, a power blackout and rainstorms. The downpour sent swathes of thick mud descending into villages and destroyed at least one bridge connecting Pronojiwo and Candipuro. Around 30 buildings were also devastated by the eruption while another road and overpass from the area to the nearby city of Malang was severed by the debris. Thoriqul Haq, a local official, told Reuters: “This has been a very pressing, rapid condition since it erupted.” Most read in The Sun LATE START I'm A Celeb start time MOVED as Ant & Dec pushed out of usual 9pm slot tonight HUGHES THAT? Jeremy Kyle's 'prettiest guest' Joelle Hughes looks unrecognisable in new job castle escape I'm A Celebrity stars spotted 'breaking rules' on walk OUTSIDE the castle BUZZED OFF Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden hints at HUGE break as he keeps dramatic haircut DAN’S PAIN Strictly's Dan Walker consoled by Nadiya Bychkova after breaking down backstage TWISTED TORTURERS Evil dad & stepmum scoffed McDonald's & ice-cream as Arthur, 6, starved The deputy chief of Lumajang district, Indah Masdar, said: “We’re in big distress. It’s harrowing, their families are all crying.” Rescue teams were forced to ride into the disaster zone on helicopters to save at least 10 locals trapped in buildings. Harrowing videos shared on social media show residents screaming in horror and running from the thick smoke. Others tried to seek shelter from the falling ash which has damaged infrastructure in the area. Local authorities set up a restricted zone within 3 miles from the crater. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) warned airlines that the ash cloud was higher than the cruising altitude for most aircraft and may cause diversions.  We’re in big distress. It’s harrowing, their families are all crying. Indah Masdar They said the ash appeared to have detached from the summit and was drifting southwest over the Indian Ocean. Meteorologist Campbell Biggs told the BBC that as well as affecting visibility and air quality in the cabin, ash that solidifies on cooler parts of the plane engine could cripple the mechanics thousands of feet in the air. Mount Semeru – the tallest volcano on the island of Java – previously erupted in January this year. But Biggs said Saturday’s spew marked a “pretty significant increase in intensity” of the crater. He said the ash cloud should slowly disperse. Mount Semeru is situated 3,676m above sea level and is among around 130 other active volcanoes in Indonesia. RexThe ash cloud is said to have blocked out the sun in some areas, plunging residents into darkness[/caption] ReutersHundreds of locals have been evacuated in the wake of the eruption[/caption]