Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, has apologised for going on holiday in Hawaii during the country’s bushfire crisis, after two volunteer firefighters died.

The two firefighters were killed when a tree fell into the path of their water tanker, causing it to crash, as they were driving in a convoy near the town of Buxton, New South Wales, on Thursday night.

The deaths brings the death toll from the fire crisis to eight. Mr Morrison had reportedly gone on holiday earlier this week, but his office had denied he was in Hawaii.

Mr Morrison said on Friday he had brought forward planned leave with his family due to commitments to travel to Japan and India in January.

A photograph then appeared on social media apparently showing him in Hawaii with Australian tourists

“I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” he said.