The climber who lost his leg when a rock crashed onto him during the eruption on Mt Ruapehu on Tuesday remained stable today as he awaits further surgery.
William Pike, a 22-year-old Auckland primary school teacher, was inside Dome Hut near Ruapehu's summit on Tuesday night when the
rock crashed through the roof and crushed his legs.
The Taupo-based Lion Foundation rescue helicopter, equipped with night vision goggles, was used to fly Mr Pike off the mountain to Taumarunui Hospital.
He was later transferred to Waikato and had his leg amputated in an operation on Wednesday.
Waikato District Health Board spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill said this morning Mr Pike was comfortable.
"He's still in a stable condition and had a very good night."
Mr Pike was likely to undergo more surgery to his leg tomorrow.
Ms Gill said doctors and surgeons were able to make good progress in aiding Mr Pike's recovery as he was young and fit.
Mr Pike's body temperature became dangerously low after the incident and he has also been treated for renal failure.
Dr John Bonning, the Waikato Hospital emergency department doctor who treated Mr Pike both at Taumarunui and Waikato said on Wednesday he was "amazed" by the recovery.
- NZPA
