(R.I.P) 29 Miners Died In NZ Pike River Coal Mine Explosion

Following an explosion Friday afternoon that trapped 29 miners at the Pike River coal mine in New Zealand, a diamond head drill is now being used to extract gas samples from the mine. Depending on where the drill hole intersects the drive, laser and other imaging gear which can be lowered down the hole may provide more information about the situation deeper in the mine.
A New Zealand Army robot may also be used to ascertain if any air was moving in the tunnel. Pike River chief executive Peter Whittall said if that if the New Zealand Army robot could operate safely within the main access tunnel, it would be used first to check the area where an underground loader is thought to be blocking access.
The Defence Force staff had been practicing with the robot Monday, testing it on the road to make sure it could handle the terrain inside the mine and go the distance.
According to the New Zealand Herald, however, mining officials and police are preparing for the worst, 72 hours after the explosion occurred. Whittall said the men would have all been wearing hard hats that had lamps attached with leads running to a battery they wore on their body. He said the miners' cap lamps, if they had been using them all the time, would be flat by now. They only have a 24-hour battery life.
The only food they would have had access to over the past three days, if it could even be reached, was what they had brought in for their shift. The miner also has several fresh water supplies, but they may not be accessible either.
“It will be quite hot. There’s not a lot of ventilation down there,” Whittall said.
In Honor of the PIKE River Miners. R.I.P The church bells rang 29 times so we knew it was final and the end of the line. Now 29 miners are at heavens gate with coal silt dirty faces asking is it 2 late? When god replies with half a grin no my children come on in. They place their mining lights gently on heavens floor when.........god said "job well done" leav...e your boots at ...the door

 

My heart goes out to all the familys of these 29 men who have died...Thoughts be with yous all.. ..xox

 

My love and prayers go out to the families involved. This has been one horrific event after the other and now it seems the mine will forever be their grave so very sad.

ex Westcoaster

 

RIP that is one tragic situation.

 

RIP, realy sad to think they were working out a way to get them out then it all just got worse, sad for all involved to get all their hopes just snatched away like that.
Was looking on msn the other day and checked all the pictures of the people waiting outside for their loved one, very very sad cant help but to feel for them.