All 29 miners trapped in a coal mine in New Zealand are believed to be dead, police say.
The statement came tonight after a second explosion in the Pike River Coal mine.
“It is our belief that no one has survived and everyone will have perished,” Police Superintendent Gary Knowles said.
There had been no contact with the men – 24 New Zealanders, two Australians, two Britons and a South African – since an explosion on Friday.
Supt Knowles said the second blast occurred mid-afternoon on Wednesday. “It was extremely severe,” he added. “We are now in recovery mode.”
Potentially explosive gases had been present in the mine since the initial blast and had hampered the rescue effort. (BBC)
