Film of the area has shown charred trees and light smoke billowing from the top of the mineshaft. A cabin close by has been completely destroyed which indicates that the explosion was pretty strong.
Apparently an electrician went into the mine at 1550 to investigate a power failure, and 1.5 km into the shaft he found the driver of a loader who had been blown off his machine. He then raised the alarm. He, the driver and one other miner later emerged safely and 3 others emerged a bit later. Although details are still unclear, the mine operators, Pike River Coal, have denied an earlier claim that a body had been found. The Chief Executive of Pike River Coal, Peter Whittall said "I've not had any reports of that at all. We've had two miners who've walked out of the mine and they're currently being spoken to and treated on the surface. We've had no communication with anyone else underground at this stage."
It appears the concerns about another explosion have hampered any attempts to rescue those trapped.
The mayor of Greymouth, south-west of the Pike River mine, said the situation was "pretty serious" but that rescuers were on hand. However there has so far been no contact with the missing miners, whose friends and relatives have gathered at the scene.
Police spokeswoman Barbara Dunn said rescuers were still assessing the safety conditions inside the mine, and making sure the ventilation system was functioning as there was a potential for a build-up of gas.
Until that happened, it was unsafe for rescuers to enter the mine, she added.
"They're itching to get in there and start looking for other people and a bit frustrated at having to stand and wait," Ms Dunn told reporters. "There is concern that ventilation inside the mine shaft may be compromised by the power outage."
Earlier specialist mine rescue services, ambulances and helicopters were rushed to the scene for the rescue but the helicopters were later stood down as no one was sure how long the rescue was going to take. It appears that all workers in the mine carry emergency gear which includes breathing apparatus. Mr Whittall said "The issue for the rescue team will be to ensure that the ventilation underground is adequate for them to go in and find the men." He added that all the miners are trained to find oxygen and a place of safety and wait for rescue.
There are plenty of experts at the scene and everyone knows what they are doing its just a patience game now - however, its going to be a slow process. Friends and relatives arriving in the area will be given all the support and assistance possible with areas being set aside for them to wait.
Prime Minister John Key said the government would put whatever resources were needed into the operation, and stood ready to support the miners' families.
Sunday 21st November - Miners still trapped. What are they doing there? There has to come a point when they do something to get these guys out!!
ReplyDeleteThe families must be going crazy.