Concern grows over trapped miners

Staff Reporter Auckland November 20 Concern is growing over the 29 miners trapped in a New Zealand coalmine, almost 24 hours after an explosion that occurred in the colliery, according to information on hand.

Initial reports said that 27 miners were trapped but later revised to 29 and that rescue teams were preparing to enter the mine, after obtaining a green signal from the concerned authorities.

An Indian Newslink Correspondent would be visiting the area for an on-the-spot report.

Peter Whittall, Chief Executive of Pike River Coal, which owns the mine said that underground communications had snapped.

“However, there is one emergency phone underground. Our rescue team has been calling that number but there has been no response. Miners may be trapped in an area that is away from the telephone,” he said, addressing a press conference in Greymouth this morning.

Meanwhile, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Government was in standby mode to offer the requisite assistance.

He travelled to the West Coast with Labour and Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson to assess the situation.

“The Government stands ready to offer whatever help and resources are required.   Various agencies, including Police, Fire, Ambulance and hospitals, are already  involved.  The West Coast mine rescue team has been activated,” Mr Brownlee said.