New Zealand mine explosion leaves dozens missing

http://www.timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT=0&nid=29973 WELLINGTON - An explosion has rocked a remote colliery in New Zealand, trapping 27 miners undergound, the company and local authorities say.

The explosion took place in the Pike River Coal Processing Plant in Atarauon on the west coast of South Island at 4:30pm local time (0330 GMT) on Friday.

Stephen Parker, a TV3 reporter in Wellington, the capital, told AFP news agency that up to five miners had emerged safely.

"It appears two miners were led to safety and there are reports that an additional three miners have emerged as well," he said.

"However they were working in an area away from the blast. Two of them have been taken to hospital and are being treated for minor injuries."

Parker said one of the main concerns is that the ventilation shaft at the entrance to the mine is reportedly covered in black soot.

"It suggests there was quite a considerable force in this explosion and emergency services have expressed concern about the lack of power needed to pump fresh air into the mine," he said.

"There have been reports of emergency rescue teams arriving with ventilation equipment. The situation looks grim and there has been no communication with the trapped men."

Police said the electricity in the mine went out shortly before the blast - which was powerful enough to blow one driver off his machine deep in a mine tunnel - and this may have caused ventilation problems.

One mine safety expert said a gas explosion was a possible cause.

Pike River Coal's office in Wellington said they were still working out what had taken place.

A company official told the AFP news agency: "We are still trying to determine what has actually happened down there. All our senior management are involved in trying to find out what's happened and when we know what's happened we'll be able to release a statement and update."

Tony Kokshoorn, the mayor of Greymouth, the nearest town, told Radio New Zealand that police, rescue helicopters and ambulances were rushing to the scene.

"We are just keeping our fingers crossed but it's not good," he said.

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