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Source: ONE News -
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Rescue attempts to reach the 29 men trapped at the Pike River mine have been put on hold until the morning.
A clear air sample is required before rescuers will be sent into the mine and police report that no more air samples will be conducted tonight.
Tasman District Commander Gary Knowles said that the rescue is in a "holding pattern".
Speaking to ONE News Knowles said that air samples were being taken up until 4pm, but they have had to withdraw their team because of the "concentration of air up there".
"We're going to hold the scene overnight."
Knowles said that they would maintain a strong police presence but that there would be no sampling "until at least tomorrow morning".
Knowles said that for the next 24 hours they will be looking at the weather conditions and mine stability.
"Once an opportunity does arise we'll be putting our team underground."
Knowles said he understood the frustration of the families involved but emphasised the need to assure the safety of any rescue effort.
"Unfortunately it's not as simple as putting on a mask and gown and rushing in there, it does pose danger to those guys underground, and those going in.
"This is a volatile environment."
Rescue plan
Knowles said that they believe that the miners are located
approximately two kilometres from the entrance.
Two workers who left the mine following the blast used an airshaft to escape the mine.
However Knowles said that the rescue was likely to access the mine via the main entrance not by the airshaft.
They would then look to assess any injuries and create a safe zone.
"The whole purpose is to get in there, assess their needs and hopefully get them out."
Earlier today the rescuers had been getting equipment ready, looking at the risks and holding drills for a range of scenarios.
Gas main concern
Air quality is the main concern at the site.
A compressed air line is working and fresh air is pumping into the mine somewhere along its length.
The mine is regarded as "moderately gassy" and Knowles said the priority once they are underground will be to establish a fresh air base near the shaft. The search will take place from there.
The mine is small and the men will be working close together, he said, adding that they won't have a large area to cover with their search. Rescuers may only have a short timeframe to get down, have a look and make a decision about what they're going to do, said Knowles.
Police have been liaising with families and still remain positive. Knowles said the rescuers are very professional and "they want to save their colleagues".
Contact lost
The blast rocked the mine at about 3.45pm yesterday and contact was immediately lost with the workers.
One miner was discovered thrown from machinery near the mine's entrance and after about half an hour a miner underground called to say he believed he had been involved in an explosion. He was making his way to the surface.
"He believes he was knocked unconscious...but time is difficult to tell when you're in a black coal mine," said Whittall.
The two men have been named as Russell Smith, 50, and Daniel Rockhouse, 24.
Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates said the two miners have moderate injuries and were discharged from hospital late this morning. He said they have both requested space and time to focus on their colleagues and friends who are still in the mine.
Whittall said one of the men who escaped from the mine was disorientated and not able to give much information but he said he believed there was an explosion. Whittall said neither was able to give much information that was of practical use but they have been professionally debriefed and have been offered comfort and understanding.
Meates said the West Coast District Health Board is taking the lead on the medical support and the services are very co-ordinated. And he said other health boards are on stand-by to respond to a range of scenarios.
The missing men are aged between 17 and 62. Most are New Zealanders but Greymouth police say there are two Australians, two Britons and one South African among the group.
There has been no contact with anyone since the blast, despite a phone line working in the mine.
"We have been ringing that number and we haven't been able to contact anyone," Whittall said.
Earlier he said it was quite conceivable that there is a large number of men sitting around the end of an open pipe, waiting and wondering why we're taking our time to get to them."
29 families
Whittall said it is clearly a "very trying" time for the families.
"There's 29 men down there and there's 29 families and there's 29 different circumstances and 29 different levels of understanding. They're all dealing with it in their own way."
He said water and food are not yet an issue and the temperature is also not a problem.
Knowles said they have had a huge outpouring of support from around the world.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentJane Emerson said on 2010-12-02 @ 19:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
hi my name is Jane Emerson & my husband is Peter. we are sending this to the families & work mates to let you know that we are thinking of you so much. our thoughts & prayers are with you all. kindest regards Peter & Jane Emerson.
mattdville said on 2010-11-24 @ 23:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of the miners of this disaster.
Driver said on 2010-11-24 @ 21:21 NZDT: Report abusive post
Before this event I never even thought of who in my eyes would I consider an attached hero. This tragic disaster has produced Peter Whittall. Ive said this already and Ill say it again. This man under the scrutiny of the press and public, held firm on his beliefs and knowledge, conveyed himself to new heights of professionalism and composure the like Ive never witnessed. You and your team took on the grief, the rescue and the criticism. Mate, in my eyes you are a true hero, god bless.
thinkaboutit said on 2010-11-24 @ 19:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
Consideration should be given to flooding the mine with an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen to suppress fires and create an explosion proof environment to allow those who perished to be recovered and returned to their loved ones.
pasil said on 2010-11-24 @ 19:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
My heart, thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those whose lives have been lost, to everyone involved and to the township of Greymouth. NZ is thinking of you all.