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Second Explosion – No Survivors Expected
Second Explosion – No Survivors Expected
There has been a second explosion within the Pike River Coal mine on the West Coast. The families and friends of the 29 trapped miners as well as the wider New Zealand community have been devastated by the news.
Shortly after a scheduled briefing was held in Greymouth family members were seen in a very distressed state. Lawrie Drew, the father of trapped miner Zen Drew, said officials had told the families that there had been a second explosion.
Investigation head Superintendent Gary Knowles said the large explosion happened about 2.37pm and they were not expecting anyone to get out alive.
They were now going into recovery mode. It was one of the most horrific things he has had to deal with as a policeman.
"We had to break the news to the family and they are extremely distraught.
"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."
UDATE 10pm - NZ Police Statement: Second blast at Pike River mine UPDATE 8pm - Audio: PM's Press Conference - Pike River Tragedy
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- Scoop Audio (17 Minutes): Audio on Demand of NZ Prime Minister John Key's press conference this evening held to respond to the second explosion in the Pike River Coal Mine this afternoon. The PM read a prepared statement and then took questions from the press gallery. To read the PM's statement see.. Speech Notes on Pike River Mine tragedy
For more reaction to the tragedy see:
Governor General - Pike River: Statement from the Governor-General
Labour Party - Deep sympathy for the families of West Coast miners
ACT - ACT New Zealand: Pike River Coal Tragedy
Police - Police Association Backs Operation Pike Commander
EPMU - EPMU mourns the 29 men reportedly killed in the Mine
Solid Energy - Statement from Solid Energy on Pike River Mine
ENDS
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