Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

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


Click for big version
Press Play To Start Audio Playing….






DOWNLOAD MP3
Alternative recording - DOWNLOAD MP3
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

ENDS

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.