Volcanic ash covers part of Sumber Wuluh village in Lumajang, Indonesia, after the Mount Semeru volcano eruption that killed 14. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

The tallest mountain on the island of Java erupted dramatically on Saturday, shooting a towering column of ash into the sky that blanketed surrounding villages. Fourteen people were killed and dozens more injured.

The head of the Semeru Volcano Observatory, Liswanto, warned people to keep a safe distance from the mountain, amid reports anxious residents had returned to their homes to check on belongings and livestock.

More than 50 people had suffered injuries from the eruption, mostly burns. Semeru is one of more than 100 active volcanoes in Indonesia.