Wednesday 24th November 2010 2 Comments |
Text too small? |
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
NZAS Sign Long Term Contracts
Amended - IFT230 Maturity and Exchange for IFT350
Synlait forecast milk price update
Chorus submits 2023 fibre regulatory report
Infratil Infrastructure Bond Exchange Offer opens
May 31st Morning Report
NZAS and Mercury sign long-term agreement, creating opportunity for future investment in renewables
Meridian and NZAS sign long term contracts
ArborGen Holdings Results for Year Ended 31 March 2024
BAI - Full unaudited results to 31 March 2024