New Zealand miners presumed dead after second explosion

The 29 miners trapped in a coal mine in the South Island of New Zealand are believed to be dead following a second explosion.

The first Pike River mine explosion occurred at 1.30 pm local time on 19 November, and there had been no contact with the missing miners afterwards.

A second explosion  occurred today, and there is now little hope left that any of the men have survived.

“It is our belief that no one has survived and everyone will have perished. This is one of the most tragic things I have had to do as a police officer,” Gary Knowles, police superintendent said afterward.

The fear of further explosions as well as the presence lethal toxic gas in the mine has previously prevented any rescue taking place.