Second blast at Pike River extinguishes hope for survivors

Wednesday 24th November 2010 2 Comments

A second catastrophic explosion has occurred at the Pike River coal mine, leading police coordinating attempts to rescue 29 trapped miners to say no survivors could now be expected.

The Stuff website is reporting that an explosion at around 2.37 p.m. ripped through the mine.

"I was at the mine myself when the explosion occurred. The blast was horrific. Just as severe as the first blast - and we are now moving into a recovery mode," said Superintendant Gary Knowles, who has been heading the operation.

"Recovery mode" is the term used for recovering deceased victims of an incident, as opposed to "rescue mode", for survivors.

Up until this afternoon, police and mine representatives have insisted they were planning for "all eventualities."

"We had to break the news to the family and they are extremely distraught," Knowles said.

A press conference is scheduled shortly in Greymouth, and Prime Minister John Key will hold another in Wellington at 6.30 p.m. this evening.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

Comments from our readers

On 24 November 2010 at 6:06 pm Michael Smith said:

A very sad outcome, my thoughts and prays are with all those who died and there loved ones.

On 24 November 2010 at 11:22 pm Steve Gardner said:

Incredibly sad end. No parent should ever be obliged to suffer the loss of their children. I can only imagine how terrible it must be for the families. My heart goes out to them all.