EPMU mourns the 29 men reportedly killed in the Mine

EPMU mourns the 29 men reportedly killed in the Pike River mine after a second massive explosion

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) is mourning the tragic deaths of 29 men reportedly killed in the Pike River mine after news of a second massive explosion there.

"News of this second devastating explosion means there is now no prospect of a successful rescue and the 29 lives of the men trapped inside have been lost,” says EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.

“This is a shocking tragedy for all of the families and for the local community,"

“Our thoughts are with all of the bereaved families.”

"It is time to let the families and the community grieve."

"Most of the miners killed were our comrades in the union, including Blair Sims who was an EPMU delegate at the Pike River mine.”

“The union has received messages of support from across the country and around the world since the accident happened on Friday 19 November."

"The EPMU will now make the practical arrangements to establish a fund to assist the families of the men whose lives have been lost."

"The EPMU is calling on the government to establish an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the explosion, including a public hearing in front of a senior judge and leading technical experts."

"The union will do everything possible to assist in any investigation."

This is the worst mining accident in New Zealand since 43 miners were killed in a mine fire in Huntly in 1914.

The EPMU is the largest private sector union in New Zealand, representing around 45,000 members across eleven industry sectors, including 1,200 in the mining sector.

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